Football governance and business summit opens in Makerere
David GOMBE
The 2026 Football Governance and Business Summit was officially opened by the Minister for Kampala Central Division and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda at Bamus Sarovar Portico in Makerere, bringing together Uganda’s football stakeholders to deliberate on reforms aimed at reshaping the sport’s governance and business structures.
kabanda was not in attendance physically after losing a family member but hailed the organizers for the event in her message.
The event, which climaxes on Friday, is held under the theme “Beyond the Pitch: Building a Professional, Accountable and Rights-Based Football Ecosystem in Uganda.” The summit has drawn fans, academy owners, FUFA officials, Uganda Premier League representatives, and other key actors.
“Football is beyond the pitch. Football is a business. It is a profession. It is also an ecosystem involving people, institutions, rules, contracts, investment, careers, brands and responsibility,” said Pauline Mbanza, Convener of the Summit, in her remarks on the opening day.
Debates are centering on solutions to persistent challenges both on and off the pitch, with emphasis on professionalism, accountability, and governance.
“As Ugandan football grows, stakeholders must work together, raise standards, improve understanding of the sport on and off the field, and recognise its contribution to the economy,” asserted licensed FIFA Football Agent Fidel Otafiire.
The summit is also addressing player welfare, amid concerns that some athletes continue to face rights violations and career-threatening obstacles.
Stakeholders are expected to generate recommendations to strengthen the industry, improve working conditions, and build a sustainable, professional football ecosystem in Uganda.