FIFA has confirmed a 20 per cent increase in its development programme funding for the 2027 to 2030 cycle, with the FIFA Forward Programme set to distribute a record $2.7 billion across its 211 Member Associations, including the Federation of Uganda Football Associations.
The announcement follows the approval of FIFA’s 2025 Annual Report and a projected $14 billion revenue budget for the next four-year cycle. For Uganda, the increase signals a potential rise in funding from the current $8 million allocation under Forward 3.0 to close to $10 million.
Since the programme’s launch in 2016, Uganda has emerged as one of the more active users of FIFA development funding within the CECAFA region.
FUFA has committed more than $7.1 million to various projects, with the majority directed towards infrastructure.
Key developments include the modernisation of the FUFA headquarters in Mengo and the expansion of the FUFA Technical Centre, which now serves as the main base for Uganda’s national teams.
The ongoing Kadiba Stadium project has also been positioned as a central community facility aimed at improving access to quality playing surfaces.
Beyond infrastructure, funding has supported the rollout of the FUFA Technical Master Plan, with a focus on youth development pathways.
A Schools of Excellence programme has already been launched, combining education with elite football training, while continued investment in youth national teams has contributed to recent qualifications for continental and global competitions.
Operational support has also been significant. During the COVID-19 period between 2020 and 2022, Uganda accessed $1 million in relief and operational grants, helping sustain domestic competitions and national team activities.
Looking ahead, the increased funding under Forward 4.0 is expected to shift focus towards areas such as women’s football, digital infrastructure, and regional expansion.
Plans include further investment in the Women’s Super League, the introduction of technologies such as VAR, and the establishment of regional technical centres beyond Central Uganda.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the growth in funding, now eight times higher than in 2016, is intended to broaden access to the game globally and strengthen development structures across all member associations.
