For the second time since 2009, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni hoisted a loft the treasured FIFA World Cup trophy at Entebbe State House on Monday.
This was moments after the trophy entourage had set foot at Entebbe International Airport, Uganda from Cape Tour city.
In his speech, Museveni hinted of FIFA’s growing confidence in Uganda;
Uganda is a footballing country and we hope that at one time, we shall win this cup and retain it in this country.
This is a rare opportunity for Uganda, this visit is also symbolic in that it shows FIFA’s confidence in Uganda by recognizing our competitive abilities.
It will also draw attention to our country and boost tourism.
Museveni with confidence narrated how Uganda narrowly lost in the recent qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup in Russia. With eloquence, he also discussed on how best Uganda Cranes can better on the FIFA rankings;
This might take a few years considering that other national teams have better facilities however, Uganda with raw talent almost qualified but narrowly lost heading to Russia.
Uganda is now ranked 71st out of the 275 FIFA ountries but we plan on improving the ranking hopefully by 2022.
I congratulate Uganda Cranes the job well done in the FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers.
Government support:
Museveni also hinted on how the Government of Uganda appreciates and supports sports and football in general;
Sports is a tool for entertainment, leisure, physical fitness and for competition and as well, enhancing good health and providing employment.
He congragulated the Uganda Cranes for the recent achievements as well as the FUFA and Government sports officials for the work well done over the years.
State Sports Minister in his brief address lauded FIFA for considering Uganda among the 51 countries in the whole world to recieve the FIFA World Cup trophy.
This moment is not only motivating youngsters but also boosting talent
The ambassador of Russia in Uganda H.E. Alexander Dmitrievich Polyakov, Uganda’s Foreign Affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, FUFA President and also the CAF Executive Committee member Moses Magogo, other government ministers, ministry of education and sports officials also attended the event at the lavish Entebbe State House.
Magogo hinted on the hunger and inspiration drawn from the visit of the FIFA World Cup trophy as he was inteviewed at Entebbe State House;
The international media is here and this is a chance to cherish as FUFA and Ugandans. This is the moment for us to get closest to the trophy so far. It gives us inspiration because it is a dream for every footballer to touch such a trophy
On Tuesday, there will be a public viewing by all Ugandans at the Lugogo Cricket oval on 6th March 2018 before the trophy heads to Nigeria on 7th March.
Uganda is among the 10 African countries where the FIFA Cup trophy will visit.
The others are Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Mozambique, South Africa, Nigeria, Cote D’ivoire, Senegal and Egypt.
About the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour:
The World Cup trophy tour began in 2006 as a build up for the tournament that was hosted in Germany.
This first ever FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour brought the energy and excitement of the world’s most loved football tournament, and it’s most coveted prize, directly to fans for the first time.
Since 2006, every new edition of the FIFA World Cup has brought with it the promise of a new Trophy Tour travelling and touching down in new cities and meeting new fans.