Uganda Joins Africa’s United Front Behind Infantino Ahead of 2027 FIFA Election

Uganda has reaffirmed its unwavering support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, joining the continent’s football leadership in backing his bid for re-election for another term ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

The position was reaffirmed by FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo Hassim during the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cabo Verde, where presidents of Africa’s 54 football associations are meeting to discuss the future of the game on the continent.

CAF had already unanimously agreed in April to support Infantino’s re-election for the 2027–2031 term, while the CAF Executive Committee reaffirmed that position in August.

Speaking from Santa Maria, Magogo said Uganda’s decision was straightforward, noting that FUFA was among the relatively few African football associations that supported Infantino when he first sought the FIFA presidency in 2016. 

“For FUFA, it was a no brainer. We were among the five or so African federations that voted for Gianni in 2016. He has done much more than he promised then.”

Magogo said Uganda’s continued support is based largely on what he described as tangible gains in football development under Infantino’s leadership, particularly through FIFA programmes and competitions that have benefited member associations.

He pointed to the expansion of FIFA competitions and development programmes, including youth football, as some of the reasons Uganda has maintained its support for the FIFA president.

“For us, it’s about football development. For us, it’s about the programmes of FIFA, and we believe and we know where we have come from, we know where we are going,” Magogo said.

He added that Uganda has supported Infantino consistently since 2016 and that the decision has been taken with the interests of football development at the centre.

“We as Uganda, we have been supporting President Gianni Infantino from the beginning, 2016, without doubt, clear-headed,” he said.

Africa unites behind Infantino

Uganda's position comes as the continent closes ranks behind Infantino, with CAF and all 54 African member associations declaring their support for his re-election during the ongoing strategy meetings in Cabo Verde.

The CAF Strategy Conference, running from October 7–9 in Santa Maria, has brought together presidents of CAF’s 54 member associations, zonal union leaders, coaches and football experts to examine the development and sustainability of African football.

For Magogo, the shift from a small group of African federations supporting Infantino in 2016 to a united continental position today is significant.

“It’s very good that who started as few African countries that supported the president, in fact, right now the whole continent is behind him, and without doubt,” he said.

Infantino announced at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver in May that he would stand for re-election in 2027.

The election is scheduled for March 2027, with Infantino seeking to continue leading world football after more than a decade at the helm of FIFA. 

Uganda highlights benefits of FIFA partnership

Magogo's endorsement also underlines Uganda's interest in the continued implementation of FIFA development programmes, which have provided opportunities for member associations to strengthen competitions, infrastructure, youth football and other areas of the game.

Uganda has been among the beneficiaries of FIFA-supported competitions and development initiatives, with Magogo stressing the importance of maintaining programmes that support football at different levels.

The FUFA president said Uganda's position is therefore not simply about political support for an individual, but about what the federation considers a productive relationship with FIFA and the continuation of football development programmes.

“For us, it's about football development, for us it's about the programmes of FIFA,” Magogo reiterated.

The endorsement places Uganda firmly within Africa's increasingly unified position as Infantino prepares for the 2027 contest, with the continent's 54 FIFA votes representing a significant bloc in the global election.

For Uganda, Magogo's message is clear: having backed Infantino from the beginning in 2016, FUFA sees little reason to change course as the FIFA president seeks another term.