Uganda could benefit from renewed FIFA development funding after president Gianni Infantino pledged increased financial support for African football.
Speaking at the CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde on Thursday, Infantino highlighted FIFA’s $1 billion investment across Africa since 2016.
The commitment comes as Uganda prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Uganda’s football development priorities include improving infrastructure, strengthening youth competitions and expanding opportunities for coaches and emerging players.
Infantino said FIFA’s investment had supported 124 projects across Africa, alongside several other football development initiatives.
“With the FIFA Forward programme we have invested one billion dollars in 10 years in Africa, with 124 different projects and many other actions,” Infantino said.
The FIFA president reaffirmed his commitment to helping African associations strengthen their football structures through continued financial and technical assistance.
“Our commitment is to make sure that your football is going to continue to improve and grow, give you more opportunities,” he said.
Although Infantino did not announce a specific new allocation for Uganda, his remarks signal FIFA’s intention to maintain development support across Africa.
FIFA records $7.1 million in Uganda project commitments
Uganda has already benefited from FIFA Forward, with the governing body’s project database recording approximately $7.09 million in committed development funding.
Of that amount, $6.34 million, representing 89.4 percent, has been directed towards infrastructure projects across the country.
The remaining commitments cover capacity building, national-team support, competitions and other football development programmes.
FIFA’s database identifies four headquarters-related sub-projects, one stadium and two technical-centre sub-projects among Uganda’s infrastructure investments.
These figures cover completed and ongoing project commitments, rather than the total operational funding received by FUFA.
One of the prominent beneficiaries is FUFA Stadium Kadiba in Mengo, developed with financial assistance from FIFA Forward.
According to FUFA’s 2025 activity report, the federation used $460,600 from FIFA Forward to acquire additional land around Kadiba.
The acquisition expanded the facility to approximately 6.4 acres, creating room for further infrastructure development.
FUFA also reported improvements to floodlights, dressing rooms, seating, office facilities and the playing surface ahead of continental competitions.
Kadiba forms part of Uganda’s training infrastructure preparations for AFCON 2027, providing a potential legacy beyond the tournament.
More funding on the horizon
Under FIFA Forward 3.0, national associations can access up to $8 million during the 2023–2026 funding cycle.
The allocation includes up to $5 million for operational expenditure and $3 million for approved development projects.
Funding is subject to FIFA’s eligibility, reporting and compliance requirements, with some payments linked to specific football development activities.
FIFA has also announced a 20 percent increase in development funding for the 2027–2030 cycle, potentially raising individual association allocations to $9.6 million.
That would represent an increase of $1.6 million over the current four-year funding ceiling, subject to the applicable programme conditions.
A separate proposal unveiled in July could create further opportunities for Uganda through a substantial expansion of FIFA’s development financing.
Under the proposal, FUFA could potentially access approximately $86 million over 12 years, including an optional $20 million infrastructure facility.
However, the additional funding remains proposed rather than guaranteed and requires the necessary FIFA approvals.
For Uganda, the potential increase comes at a critical period as football authorities balance AFCON 2027 preparations with longer-term development needs.
The country must ensure that facilities upgraded for the continental tournament remain useful to clubs, national teams and grassroots football.
Infantino’s renewed commitment consequently presents FUFA with both an opportunity to attract further investment and responsibility to demonstrate measurable returns.
With millions already committed to Ugandan football projects, the next test will be how effectively additional FIFA funding strengthens the country’s football structures beyond AFCON 2027.