FUFA’s Youth Football Focus Secured Uganda’s U17 World Cup 2025 Spot.

Last week, the country was treated to a historic qualification of Uganda’s U17 football team for the FIFA U17 World Cup tournament to be held in Qatar from November 3–27, after defeating the Gambia 2-1 in a playoff match held in Morocco.

The milestone marked the first time any Ugandan football team has reached a FIFA World Cup tournament at any level.

Uganda is the only country in this region that qualified for the tournament. Other qualified African countries include Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Mali, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, and Zambia.

All countries on the continent wanted to qualify but they did not, and yet Uganda did. This progression and success is not by chance. It is a revelation that those managing the game in the country identified the disease, prescribed the suitable medicine, and are now administering it.

FUFA’s deliberate decision to focus on youth football was the prescription that Uganda lacked for long. It is an assurance that our football future is bright.

Look, since Eng. Moses Magogo Hassim took the helm of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) in 2013, Uganda’s youth football has undergone a remarkable transformation, positioning the country as a rising powerhouse in African and global competitions.

A bold strategy launched in 2015 under Magogo’s leadership has ignited a youth football revolution, fostering talent, building infrastructure, and earning international acclaim.

The cornerstone of this transformation was the establishment of the FUFA Juniors League U17 in 2015, a platform that gave young players like Steven Mukwala—top scorer in 2015 and now shining at Simba in Tanzania—a chance to shine.

Supported by schools and clubs, the league paved the way for initiatives like the Odilo tournament (2019) and FUFA TV Cup (2023).

FUFA’s commitment extended to creating schools of football excellence, ensuring every child has access to the game, and introducing youth player regulations, such as double licenses, allowing players to compete in both senior and youth leagues.

FUFA’s youth national teams have since made their mark. The U15 and U17 squads, featuring talents like Lukyamuzi Ashraf, Langol Joseph, and Okello Richard, have competed in CECAFA and CAF tournaments, with players like Simon Wanyama scoring crucial goals in international matches.

Uganda’s schools have also excelled in the CAF Pan African Schools Championships, producing stars like Mukwanga Adrian and Ogema Thomas, who now represent the U17 national team.

The FUFA Technical Master Plan (TMP), introduced in 2024, has further streamlined elite player development, earning praise from FIFA as a potential global model.

Under the guidance of Mutyaba, FUFA’s Elite Football Development Manager since 2015, the Football Development Department (established in 2018) has nurtured players like Kenneth Semakula, Gavin Kizito, and Travis Mutyaba, who have progressed from junior leagues to the senior Uganda Cranes.

The results speak for themselves. Uganda’s youth teams have clinched multiple accolades, including three CECAFA U17 titles, CECAFA U18 and U15 championships, and a historic qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup.

The U20 team finished as runners-up at the 2021 AFCON U20, narrowly missing a FIFA World Cup berth due to COVID-19 cancellations.

Magogo’s advocacy on the CAF Executive for regional underage qualifications has opened doors for Uganda and CECAFA nations, amplifying opportunities for young players.

Despite initial resistance from clubs, FUFA’s youth programs have gained widespread support, transforming Uganda’s football landscape.

From a federation with no dedicated youth football staff before 2013 to a beacon of innovation, FUFA’s initiatives have given Ugandan youth a stage to dream big.

As Magogo’s vision continues to unfold, the future of Ugandan football shines brighter than ever, proving that with strategy and dedication, a nation can rise to global prominence.