Uganda’s youth football development agenda could gain fresh momentum following the elevation of Uganda Youth Football Association (UYFA) chairman Roberts Kiwanuka to the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) Executive Committee.
Kiwanuka, who was re elected UYFA chairman for another four year term in August, was confirmed alongside Richard Ochom during FUFA’s 102nd Assembly held at Hotel Triangle in Mbarara on Saturday, October 17, 2026.
His appointment offers an opportunity to strengthen the link between grassroots football development and national football administration, particularly as Uganda seeks to identify, nurture and prepare young talent for higher levels of competition.
As director of Rays of Grace Academy, Kiwanuka has been involved in creating opportunities for young footballers, including vulnerable but talented children who receive bursaries to pursue their education while developing their sporting abilities.
Welcoming his appointment, Kiwanuka acknowledged the responsibility that comes with joining the federation’s top decision making organ and pledged to work with FUFA president Eng. Moses Magogo and other executive committee members to advance the game.
“I congratulate the youth football fraternity for this milestone. We also thank the FUFA president for considering us.
“I know it comes with a huge responsibility, but with his guidance and the senior members of the executive committee, I will work to my best to support the president and help him deliver his vision,” Kiwanuka said.
Magogo said Kiwanuka’s experience and contribution to youth football were key considerations behind his elevation, adding that FUFA’s expanding activities require additional leadership capacity.
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“As you see, the activities inside FUFA have increased, we really need a number of people in the human resource to support the president that is why the two have been added.
“Mr. Kiwanuka Robert has put a lot of effort in youth football in this country and in the era we are in of converting the youth into product, we believe that he will add a lot,” Magogo told the media.
Kiwanuka’s new role comes at a time when youth football development remains central to Uganda’s ambitions of building a sustainable talent pipeline for its national teams and professional clubs.
His experience at Rays of Grace Academy could provide valuable insight into the challenges facing grassroots football, including access to facilities, financial support, education and opportunities for talented players to progress through the development system.
His working relationship with Magogo has also seen him entrusted with responsibilities at several high profile football events. Magogo further facilitated the commissioning of the Rays of Grace Academy sports complex in Kirugu-Njeru, Buikwe District, by former Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
The challenge now will be to translate Kiwanuka’s experience into practical gains for youth football, with stronger support for academies, improved development structures and clearer pathways from school and grassroots competitions to elite football emerging as important priorities.
The two executive committee positions were approved at FUFA’s 101st Assembly, with the appointments confirmed at the weekend meeting, bringing the committee’s membership to 17.
Two additional positions were also approved, with appointments expected at a subsequent assembly, where Magogo will announce the first holder of the newly created fourth vice-president position.
Kiwanuka’s elevation also means UYFA must identify a replacement to represent the association as a delegate at the FUFA Assembly, ensuring that youth football retains its representation in the federation’s broader governance structure.