Sanctions and Corruption Allegations Threaten Moses Magogo’s Future in Ugandan Football
Moses Magogo, the longstanding president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), finds himself embroiled in a series of controversies that threaten to undermine his leadership. Magogo, who has held the presidency since 2013, is now facing increased scrutiny due to a series of corruption allegations and recent sanctions imposed by both the UK and US governments.
Magogo’s tenure has been marred by several high-profile incidents, the most notable being his involvement in the illegal resale of 2014 World Cup tickets. This scandal led to a FIFA investigation, which concluded with Magogo accepting a plea bargain. Consequently, he was suspended for two months and fined 10,000 Swiss francs.
Further complicating his position are his business dealings. Magogo’s connections with PearlSporto Investments Limited and the subsequent contracts with StarTimes have raised significant concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and the transparency of FUFA’s financial operations.
In addition to his role in football administration, Magogo entered the political arena in 2021, securing a seat as the Member of Parliament for Budiope East. However, his political career has not been free from controversy. Allegations of bribery and voter intimidation during his campaign have cast a shadow over his electoral success.
The situation escalated dramatically in 2024 when both Magogo and his wife, Anita Among, who is the Speaker of Parliament, were sanctioned by the UK and US governments for substantial corruption. These sanctions have had serious repercussions, including restricting Magogo’s travel to the United States. This restriction could pose significant challenges, particularly with the upcoming 2026 World Cup, where his presence might be required as FUFA president.
The sanctions have also prompted local political action. In May 2024, President Yoweri Museveni ordered an investigation into Anita Among’s assets, reflecting the gravity of the allegations. Meanwhile, anti-corruption protests in Kampala have intensified, placing additional pressure on Magogo and his administration.
As the August 2025 FUFA presidential elections draw near, the future of Magogo’s leadership remains uncertain. With Uganda set to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, there is speculation that new leadership might be sought to restore credibility and transparency in Ugandan football.
