General Katumba Boosts FFI SACCO with UGX 5 Million
KAMPALA – Gen. Katumba Wamala, Patron of the Former Footballers Initiative, has pledged UGX 5 million to the FFI SACCO, strengthening the organisation’s efforts to promote financial security and dignified Life After Football for Uganda’s former players.
The pledge was made during a graduation ceremony at Hotel Africana in Kampala, where more than 60 FFI members received certificates after completing the three-day Football Administration and Management Course One, commonly known as FAMACO I.
The course was facilitated by FUFA education officials Jackson Nyima and Deo Mutabaazi. It equipped participants with knowledge in football administration, governance and management, preparing former players to serve the game beyond their playing careers.
Among the graduates were Isa “Golden Boy” Ssekatawa, John Baptist Ntensibe, Vincent Sebanobe, Matovu Hussein Yunusu Abdullah, Christopher Ddungu Ssekaayi, Idd Batambuze and Resty Nantumbwe.
Former Players Encouraged to Lead
Gen. Katumba congratulated the graduates for investing in their education and encouraged former footballers to seek leadership and administrative responsibilities at every level of the game.
He said former players possess valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the difficulties footballers face during and after their careers.
According to the FFI Patron, football should increasingly benefit from administrators who understand the game, care about players and recognise football as more than a source of income.
He encouraged the graduates to begin serving at grassroots, village, regional and national levels while preparing themselves for more senior football leadership positions.
Gen. Katumba also urged the graduates to pursue FAMACO II, which would further strengthen their qualifications and ability to compete for senior positions within football administration.
His message supports FFI’s mission of ensuring that footballers of different generations remain active, respected and economically empowered after retirement.
UGX 5 Million Pledge Strengthens the FFI SACCO
Gen. Katumba’s UGX 5 million pledge to the FFI SACCO was warmly received by members attending the ceremony.
The SACCO is an important part of FFI’s welfare and empowerment programme. It encourages former footballers to save, invest and create sustainable sources of income after leaving active competition.
The contribution will strengthen the organisation’s efforts to promote financial literacy, solidarity and collective economic development among Uganda’s football veterans.
Gen. Katumba noted that caring for retired players also gives hope to younger footballers by showing them that football can provide purpose, identity and community beyond their final match.
FFI Chairman Recognises Collective Support
FFI Chairman Hajji Isaac Mubarak Ngobya welcomed the support extended to the organisation and recognised the institutions and individuals who contributed towards the success of the course and graduation ceremony.
The Chairman’s presence reflected the FFI leadership’s commitment to education, welfare and creating opportunities through which former players can continue serving Ugandan football.
Under the organisation’s leadership, FFI continues to bring together former players, administrators, supporters and well-wishers from across Uganda’s football regions.
The Initiative remains committed to preserving Uganda’s football history while developing practical programmes in education, healthcare, financial empowerment and social protection.
Permanent Secretary Pledges Government Support
Aggrey David Kibenge, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, attended the ceremony and pledged the Ministry’s continued support for the Former Footballers Initiative.
Kibenge, who is also a former referee, described former players as national symbols whose service and sacrifice should continue to be recognised.
He commended FFI for restoring unity, hope and a sense of purpose among retired footballers.
The Permanent Secretary encouraged members to remain organised, physically active and united. He also called for more financial literacy and empowerment programmes to help former players overcome economic and social challenges.
His remarks demonstrated the importance of cooperation between FFI and government institutions in building lasting welfare systems for Uganda’s sporting legends.
FUFA Reaffirms Its Partnership with FFI
FUFA was represented by National Teams Manager Patrick Ntege Kaweesa, who reaffirmed the federation’s support for FFI and the continued professional development of former footballers.
Ntege encouraged the graduates to actively pursue leadership and administrative opportunities within football.
He noted that playing experience remains valuable, but it must be supported by professional education and management skills.
FUFA also committed to supporting the graduates in progressing to FAMACO II, creating a pathway towards higher football administration qualifications.
The cooperation reflects FFI’s position as a partner that complements FUFA by preparing former players to contribute positively to football development.
Uganda Prisons Service Represented
The Uganda Prisons Service was represented at the ceremony by SSP Jimmy Anguzu, Head of Sports in the Service, who represented the Commissioner General of Prisons.
He attended alongside retired footballer Maxwell Okello, further demonstrating the strong historical relationship between Uganda’s public institutions and the country’s football community.
The participation of the Uganda Prisons Service recognised the contribution former footballers have made through institutional clubs and national football competitions.
It also highlighted the importance of involving institutions that have employed, trained and supported generations of Ugandan players.
Former Players Must Help Shape AFCON 2027
Looking ahead to the PAMOJA Africa Cup of Nations 2027, Gen. Katumba called upon the Local Organising Committee to involve former footballers in preparations for the continental tournament.
Uganda will co-host AFCON 2027 with Kenya and Tanzania, creating a historic opportunity to showcase East African football, culture and heritage.
Gen. Katumba said former players possess practical knowledge of the game and understand the expectations of players, supporters and football communities.
Their participation would help ensure that the tournament benefits from the experience of those who represented Uganda during different generations.
Involving former players would also give Uganda an opportunity to celebrate its Golden Generation, preserve the history of The Cranes and demonstrate respect for those who laid the foundation for today’s football.
Solidarity for Life After Football
The ceremony represented more than the completion of an educational course. It demonstrated what can be achieved when former players, government institutions, FUFA and other stakeholders work together.
Through education, savings, investment and institutional partnerships, FFI is building a platform through which former footballers can remain productive and respected members of society.
As Uganda prepares for AFCON 2027, the Former Footballers Initiative will continue advocating for football legends to be recognised not only for their past achievements, but also for the knowledge, leadership and experience they can contribute to the future.
