Soccer governance and enterprise summit opens in Makerere
David GOMBE
The 2026 Soccer Governance and Enterprise Summit was formally opened by the Minister for Kampala Central Division and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda at Bamus Sarovar Portico in Makerere, bringing collectively Uganda’s soccer stakeholders to deliberate on reforms geared toward reshaping the game’s governance and enterprise constructions.
kabanda was not in attendance bodily after shedding a member of the family however hailed the organizers for the occasion in her message.
The occasion, which climaxes on Friday, is held underneath the theme “Past the Pitch: Constructing a Skilled, Accountable and Rights-Based mostly Soccer Ecosystem in Uganda.” The summit has drawn followers, academy house owners, FUFA officers, Uganda Premier League representatives, and different key actors.
“Soccer is past the pitch. Soccer is a enterprise. It’s a occupation. It is usually an ecosystem involving folks, establishments, guidelines, contracts, funding, careers, manufacturers and duty,” mentioned Pauline Mbanza, Convener of the Summit, in her remarks on the opening day.
Debates are centering on options to persistent challenges each on and off the pitch, with emphasis on professionalism, accountability, and governance.
“As Ugandan soccer grows, stakeholders should work collectively, elevate requirements, enhance understanding of the game on and off the sphere, and recognise its contribution to the financial system,” asserted licensed FIFA Soccer Agent Fidel Otafiire.
The summit can also be addressing participant welfare, amid issues that some athletes proceed to face rights violations and career-threatening obstacles.
Stakeholders are anticipated to generate suggestions to strengthen the trade, enhance working situations, and construct a sustainable, skilled soccer ecosystem in Uganda.
