FUFA could receive $25 million under a proposed FIFA funding programme covering four years, expanding support for football development in Uganda.
The proposed allocation covers the 2027–2030 cycle, with all 211 member associations expected to benefit, subject to final approval.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the proposal after Thursday’s Council meeting in Zurich, outlining plans to increase global development funding.
The proposed FIFA Surplus Solidarity Programme would draw partly on reserves following what FIFA described as exceptional 2026 World Cup commercial returns.
Infantino said the initiative would “more than double the level of planned funding for the ’27–’30 period, to actually USD 6.35 billion.”
He said all 211 associations would benefit, adding: “All of them will receive USD 25 million in the ’27–’30 cycle.”
The $25 million would cover the entire four-year period, with distribution terms aligned with women’s football, youth development and infrastructure.
However, the Council must finalise the details in December before submitting the proposal to Congress for approval alongside the budget.
Infantino said the Council would finalise the proposal “before submitting it then to the Congress for approval with the budget.”
How Uganda has used FIFA funding
Uganda’s previous FIFA support has helped develop football facilities, with infrastructure accounting for most project commitments in FIFA’s published country breakdown.
That breakdown lists $6.34 million committed to infrastructure, representing 89.4 per cent of the project funding shown for Uganda.
Other commitments include $200,000 for national-team support and $110,040 for competitions, alongside $85,484 for capacity building and $354,178 for other projects.
These figures cover completed and ongoing projects, meaning they should not be presented as a comprehensive record of expenditure.
They also do not represent every payment FUFA has received, because FIFA provides separate funding streams beyond specific development projects.
Kadiba Stadium benefits from FIFA Forward
Kadiba Stadium offers a prominent example of how FIFA Forward funding has supported Uganda’s investment in football infrastructure.
According to FUFA’s 2025 activity report, the federation used $460,600 from FIFA Forward to purchase additional land beside the stadium.
That acquisition expanded the site to approximately 6.4 acres, securing more space around a facility earmarked for further development.
The report also documented improvements to floodlights, the playing surface, offices, seating and dressing rooms, alongside a standby generator.
Other reported works included perimeter fencing and security lighting, while access road improvements were undertaken in partnership with KCCA.
Kadiba opened to the public on May 31, 2025, hosting the Uganda Cup final as Vipers defeated KCCA 2–0.
FUFA identified the stadium as a training venue for CHAN and AFCON 2027, linking its development to continental tournament preparations.
The report also outlined future ambitions for additional seating, dressing rooms and a hostel, rather than presenting those works as completed.
Earlier investment in Mengo and Njeru
FIFA’s infrastructure support in Uganda predates Forward, with earlier investments channelled through the Goal programme into administrative and technical facilities.
FUFA’s report to its 92nd General Assembly in 2016 listed $400,000 under FIFA Goal for constructing its headquarters in Mengo.
The same report listed $1.4 million across three Goal projects for construction of the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru.
FUFA said those infrastructure resources were managed directly between FIFA and contractors, distinguishing that arrangement from money administered by the federation.
Forward also supports football-related operating costs, while eligible associations can access additional assistance for national-team travel, accommodation and equipment.
What the proposed increase could mean
Infantino highlighted the growth in support during his presidency, comparing earlier allocations with the proposed funding for the next cycle.
“We have gone from USD 1 million per FIFA Member Association to USD 25 million per FIFA Member Association all across the world.”
Further investment could build on existing facilities in Uganda while supporting the programme’s stated priorities in women’s and youth football.
Infantino thanked those behind the increase, saying it “will have a real impact in football development all over the world.”
The next formal step comes in December, when the Council is expected to settle details ahead of Congress approval.