Former Vision Group Chief Executive Robert Kabushenga has reignited debate around the leadership of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) after declaring renewed interest in the federation’s top seat more than a decade after his first attempt was blocked.
In a post published Thursday on X (formerly Twitter), Kabushenga said he remains ready to lead Ugandan football and accused current administrators of failing the game.
“I can bring about the footballing glory all we Ugandans dream of. Time to save our football from thieves. Let’s take back our game,” Kabushenga wrote.
His declaration comes amid continued public scrutiny of Fufa leadership under president Moses Magogo, with growing calls from sections of football stakeholders for reforms in governance and accountability within the sport.
Magogo is reportedly under house arrest as security investigate her wife, former Speaker Anita Among, over allegations of corruption, abuse of office and illicit accumulation of wealth.
Doubling as Member of Parliament for Budiope East in Buyende District, the wider public consensus is that Magogo is a subject of attention in the ongoing probe - although the State has yet to officially communicate the same.
However, when the US and UK governments sanctioned Ms Among last year, Magogo was affected too.
Kabushenga first expressed interest in the Fufa presidency in 2013, when long-serving president Lawrence Mulindwa stepped aside and opened the race for new leadership.
At the time, Kabushenga believed any passionate football supporter could contest for the position, but said on Thursday that Fufa’s electoral rules were swiftly amended to restrict eligibility that limited participation to individuals with prior football administration experience.
Speaking then about his failed attempt, Kabushenga - who led Vision Group into hugely celebrated growth before his exit in 2021 - acknowledged that he had underestimated the legal and structural barriers attached to the role.
“When I made a decision, I didn’t know of the requirements, I thought every Ugandan who is a football lover is eligible to stand. Nevertheless, I now know there are some rules and will be seeking to ask those rules to be changed to allow me to stand as a candidate and allow people on the floor to vote and decide whether I can be president,” he said.
The regulations at the time required aspirants to have at least three years of active involvement in football administration within the previous five years, in addition to holding recognised positions within FUFA structures such as committees, assemblies, or executive roles.
These rules paved the way for Magogo, who was already deeply embedded in Fufa structures, to run with minimal opposition. He was elected Fufa president in 2013 at the General Assembly in Jinja, succeeding Mulindwa.
Thirteen years later, Kabushenga says his renewed interest is driven by what he describes as the need to rebuild local football structures and restore public confidence in the domestic game.
He outlined plans focusing on strengthening grassroots football, improving the competitiveness of the Uganda Premier League, and enhancing player welfare.
“I would create opportunity for grassroots clubs and competitions to thrive, work with clubs to build a lucrative league that can attract players and put money in the pockets of players,” Kabushenga said.
He also emphasized improving the welfare of Uganda Cranes players and expanding opportunities for women’s football as part of his broader vision.
“I would like to create opportunity for a female league and participation in the game. Most importantly I will want to take Ugandans back to watching their local games,” he added.
His remarks have further fueled ongoing discussions among football stakeholders about governance, commercialisation of the league, and fan engagement in Ugandan football.
The renewed interest is expected to intensify debate around Fufa’s electoral framework and whether it should be broadened to allow wider participation beyond long-serving football administrators.
Magogo's future at Mengo, the home of Fufa, is shrouded in uncertainty as investigators attempt to pry open every pinhole that could reveal corruption in his and Among's life.
