An open letter addressed to Moses Magogo has called on the long-serving football administrator to consider stepping aside from football leadership, arguing that a transition would help restore unity and cooperation within the game ahead of key international competitions.
The letter, written by Dixon Okello, a certified FIFA and CAF Safety and Security Officer and sports safety specialist, praised Magogo for achievements registered during his tenure at the helm of Ugandan football.
Okello credited Magogo’s leadership with helping the Uganda Cranes return to the Africa Cup of Nations and CHAN tournaments, while also overseeing Uganda’s participation at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“These are milestones that deserve recognition, and you should take pride in the progress achieved during your leadership,” Okello wrote.
Despite the praise, the letter argued that it was now time for a leadership transition, claiming that several stakeholders and government officials were no longer willing to cooperate with Magogo.
According to Okello, the growing divisions risk undermining preparations for upcoming tournaments and the broader development of football in the country.
“In football, as in politics, there are no permanent friends or enemies. What remains is the duty to put the game and the players first,” the letter stated.
Okello also urged individuals seeking positions within football administration to prioritise the development of the sport instead of focusing on access to government funding and financial resources from FIFA and CAF.
He argued that stepping aside would allow Magogo to focus fully on his role as a Member of Parliament while giving Ugandan football “a chance for renewed unity and cooperation ahead of critical competitions.”
Magogo has served as president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations for more than a decade and remains one of the most influential figures in Ugandan sport. During his tenure, Uganda qualified for the 2017 and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments after decades without appearance at the continental finals.
The letter comes at a time when Ugandan football is preparing for several major assignments, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations which Uganda will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
