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On Tuesday, UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, visited the country on a special invitation from the Aliguma Foundation, one of the beneficiaries of UEFA's foundation for children grants worldwide.
Football is more than just a game; it is a tool for social development and empowerment. The UEFA Foundation for Children recognizes this, and its partnership with the Aliguma Foundation is a testament to its commitment to using football for good.
The UEFA Foundation supports 65 humanitarian projects worldwide, including in Uganda, where it has granted €4.9 million (an estimated UGX19.1 billion) to support youth in vulnerable communities.
On Tuesday, UEFA president, Aleksander Čeferin, visited the country on a special invitation from the Aliguma Foundation, one of the beneficiaries of UEFA's foundation for children grants worldwide.
During his two-day visit, Čeferin toured some of the Aliguma Foundation's projects in the slums of Banda and Acholi Quarters, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of football in the lives of young people and communities.
The women empowerment projects that entail making crafts and arts, liquid soap, and sanitary pads, among others, provide opportunities for women to earn a livelihood and support their families.
In Kisenyi, Čeferin and his entourage were accompanied by Ritah Aliguma, CEO and Founder of the Aliguma Foundation, the state minister for sports Hon. Peter Ogwang, Ambrose Tashobya, chairman of the National Council of Sports, and other officials.
They were briefed on the projects and how they are making a difference in the lives of the beneficiaries.
“Football is not all about football. It encompasses very many other aspects,” Čeferin stated while visiting one of the projects.
“The UEFA Foundation for Children is to help children around the world. When we met Ritah (Aliguma), we were convinced that she was doing great work to help children.
“I have come to walk around and see the situation myself, and I am already extremely proud of the impact the projects have had on this community.”
“As UEFA Foundation, I pledge to offer more support to the projects and Aliguma Foundation because we want to transform more lives,” he continued.
Čeferin’s visit to Uganda was a message of hope and love to all the young people in the country. His presence was an inspiration to the young people in the slums of Kisenyi and Acholi Quarters.
The exhibition matches for children below 14 years that were played during his visit were a symbol of the potential of football to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds.
State minister Ogwang was humbled by the visit and committed to playing the Government's role as the UEFA Foundation further supports the projects.
We are excited by the visit of the UEFA president, Čeferin, to Uganda. He has pledged to donate an astroturf surface to the Acholi quarters playground, as Government, we shall clear the taxes and other costs attached,” Ogwang revealed.
Ogwang also pleaded for a collaboration of UEFA to help the development of local coaches in Uganda with vital education.
The visit of the UEFA president to Uganda was a significant event that showcased the power of football to change lives. It was a reminder that football is more than just a game; it is a force for good that can transform communities and empower young people.
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