By CHIMPREPORTS
The president of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Aleksander Čeferin, recently concluded his second visit to Uganda. The visit was officially extended through the invitation of the Aliguma Foundation, with the goal of making a significant impact on the less privileged through the beautiful game of football.
Sporting his trademark grin, Čeferin arrived on Sunday, February 11, 2024, accompanied by Radenko Mijatović, the president of the Football Association of Slovenia.
Upon their arrival at the VVIP Lounge of Entebbe International Airport, the distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Ritah Aliguma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Aliguma Foundation, State Minister of Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, and legislator Hon. Asuman Basalirwa, also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Bugiri Municipality.
Following exchanges of embraces and pleasantries, the quartet addressed the press during a brief conference at the VVIP Lounge.
Expressing his joy at returning to Uganda, Čeferin stated, “I am happy to be back here, again. We are friends now. I am excited to return to Uganda to visit the football projects and see the wonderful people.”
Accompanying Čeferin were 22 UEFA Legends, slated to participate in a charity football match against the Parliament of Uganda at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende. The proceeds from the match will contribute to the ‘Boy & Girl-Child’ Campaigns of the Aliguma Foundation.
Hon. Peter Ogwang welcomed Čeferin and mentioned, “We appreciate his love for Uganda. We look forward to a successful visit, and I will personally organize a meeting for him with the First Lady, Mama Janet Museveni. Feel free to tour the country.”
The delegation later enjoyed a dinner at Serena Hotel, Kampala, hosted by the Rt Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, and her deputy, Thomas Tayebwa.
In contrast to his brief visit last year, Čeferin had a packed schedule for the next 48 hours. He visited the Joel Kigozi Football Academy and Acholi Quarters in Kireka-Banda on the morning of February 12.
In the afternoon, the UEFA boss paid a courtesy call on Vipers Sports Club patron and Honorary FUFA President, Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, at St. Mary’s Stadium in Kitende. A meeting with the visiting entourage took place in his elegant office chambers, where club merchandise and jerseys were presented to Čeferin and some of Slovenia’s footballing legends.
On the same afternoon, Čeferin captained the UEFA Legends team against the Parliament of Uganda in a one-sided match that thrilled and excited spectators in equal measure. The parliamentary team, captained by the FUFA president Eng Moses Magogo, was walloped 7-1, scoring a concession through a well-converted penalty by Hon. Hamson Obua.
On Tuesday, February 13, Čeferin traveled to Masindi in Kinuuma Village – Bigando Parish, Miirya Sub-County, to commission works at the Aliguma Foundation Sports & Empowerment Center (AFSEC) and kicked the first ball at the center’s training football ground.
The UEFA president and his team departed the country on Wednesday, February 14, after meeting with selected government leaders.
FULL DELEGATION THAT VISITED UGANDA
Aleksander Čeferin, Robert Volk, Silvo Vrhovec, Mišo Brečko, Branko Ilić, Boštjan Cesar, Miran Pavlin, Milivoje Novaković, Radenko Mijatović, Luka Pavlin, Goran Barišić, Mitja Sojer, Andrej Vrhovec, Bojan Jokić, Milenko Aćimović, Gregor Šmajd, Robert Koren, Blažo Marojević, Branimir Ivka, Ivan Devčić, Jože Prelogar, Francesco Antonio Campagna, Goran Cvijanovic.
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