Federation of Uganda Football Associations president Moses Magogo has hailed the Uganda Cubs for securing back-to-back qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup, saying the achievement proves Uganda is steadily establishing itself among Africa’s leading football nations.
Uganda booked their place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026 after defeating Ghana 8-7 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw. The result made Uganda one of only six African countries to qualify for the tournament consecutively alongside Egypt, Mali, Ivory Coast, Morocco and Senegal.
Speaking during a welcome dinner organised for the team, Magogo said Uganda’s success at youth level was the result of deliberate long-term planning by FUFA rather than coincidence.
“Uganda is among the six countries that have qualified to the Under-17 World Cup back-to-back. It is only Egypt, Mali, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal and Uganda that have made it back-to-back. So we can believe,” Magogo said.
He explained that FUFA’s investment in youth football structures over the past decade was now beginning to produce results on the continental stage.
Magogo pointed to the introduction of the FUFA Juniors League in 2015, the Odilo primary schools football programme in 2018 and later the FUFA TV Cup as key projects designed to strengthen talent identification across the country.
“The things we do are intentional, planned and have an objective of where we are going,” he said.
According to Magogo, current Uganda Cubs players including John Brian Owino and Inshirah Mahyoub are products of the FUFA TV Cup initiative.
The FUFA president also highlighted the federation’s Technical Master Plan, which focuses on talent identification, player development, elite training pathways and player welfare.
He revealed that FUFA currently has scouts operating in 46 districts across Uganda targeting players aged 11 and below, while the federation has also licensed 67 academies and partnered with Schools of Excellence to support young talent.
Among the schools highlighted were St Charles Lwanga Koboko, St Joseph’s College Layibi, St Kagwa Bushenyi, Kabalega Secondary School, Kibuli Secondary School, Standard High School Zzana, Jinja Secondary School and Bukedea Comprehensive School.
Magogo further announced that FUFA plans to officially open the National Football Academy in August as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s football development structures.
He also praised Uganda Cubs head coach Laryea Kingston for the style of football displayed by the team throughout the campaign.
“It is the first time in my history to see a team of this age playing that quality of football,” Magogo said.
He added that the team showed confidence and tactical discipline against strong opponents including DR Congo, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Magogo also commended former national team players who are now working within FUFA’s technical and administrative structures, including Jerome Katende, Brian Umony, Paul Mukatabala, Patrick Ntege, Vincent “Titi” Tumusiime, Edgar Watson, Yasin Mugabi, Sadam Ibrahim Juma and Stephen Bengo.
The FUFA president noted that several graduates from the federation’s youth programmes had progressed to the senior national team, including Bobosi Byaruhanga, Kenneth Semakula, Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, Aziz Kayondo, Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala and James Bogere.
Magogo also thanked schools, academies, clubs, parents, USSSA, the Uganda Youth Football Association and sponsors for supporting youth football development. He acknowledged the Government of Uganda, the Ministry of Education and Sports and the National Council of Sports for funding national team activities.
“We can only be able to compete in these competitions if we are funded,” he said.
Special praise was reserved for Trevor Mubiru, who scored the decisive penalty against Ghana to send Uganda to the World Cup.
“Sometimes it is not just about talent. Sometimes it is about character,” Magogo said while praising the youngster’s mentality and leadership qualities.
Magogo also used the occasion to dismiss speculation surrounding his future at FUFA, insisting the federation’s focus was now on preparing the team for the World Cup in Qatar.
“Nobody has called me for any meeting to resign, so be calm. We have work to do and we are going to make sure that we prepare this team for the World Cup in the best possible way,” he said.
