Lira City, Uganda – In a move that has brought relief to the people of Lango Province, Eng. Moses Hashim Magogo, the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA), has announced that Lango Province will not be required to compensate for the damaged FUFA Drum trophy.
The announcement was made during a consultative meeting held at Lira Hotel, where Magogo addressed football stakeholders from the Lango sub-region. The meeting aimed to discuss the challenges and opportunities of establishing football clubs in the region and fostering stronger ties between clubs and their communities.
“We understand the emotional and physical toll the accident has had on the community. Our decision to create new trophies is part of our broader efforts to renew and strengthen football competitions in Uganda,” Magogo stated.
The damaged trophy had been a source of concern for Lango Province, which had won the coveted FUFA Drum trophy on March 23, 2024, after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Busoga Province in the finals of the 4th edition of the FUFA Drum held at MTN Philip Omondi Stadium.
However, during a celebratory tour across the sub-region, a tragic accident occurred on May 25, 2024, resulting in the damage of the trophy and claiming the lives of three people. The incident had sparked fears among the Lango community about potential compensation claims from FUFA.
Magogo’s announcement has been hailed as a significant relief for Lango Province, with Abel Ogwang, the Public Relations Officer for Lango Province 4th Edition, describing it as a “big relief” for the province’s management.
“This is a big relief for us. The uncertainty regarding the trophy had been a burden, but now we can move forward with our plans and focus on developing football in the region,” Ogwang said.
The consultative meeting also focused on strategies to overcome the challenges faced by local football clubs, including ways to enhance the establishment of clubs, improve infrastructure, and create stronger ties between the clubs and their local communities.
FUFA officials reassured the stakeholders of their continued support in addressing these challenges, with Magogo emphasizing the federation’s commitment to providing resources and expertise to help local clubs thrive.
“Our goal is to see Ugandan football grow at all levels. We are here to listen, understand your challenges, and work together to find solutions,” he added.
As the football community in Lango looks ahead, there is a renewed sense of hope and determination. The province’s victory in the FUFA Drum has not only brought pride but also spotlighted the potential and passion for football in the region.
With FUFA’s support and the collaborative efforts of local stakeholders, the future of football in Lango looks promising. The meeting concluded with a resolve to continue working towards the growth and development of football in the Lango sub-region.
The stakeholders expressed their gratitude to FUFA and pledged to remain committed to fostering a strong and vibrant football community. As Lango Province prepares to welcome the new era of FUFA Drum competitions with new trophies, the spirit of unity and resilience remains strong.