AFCON 2027 Budget Dispute Sparks Clash Between Minister and FUFA President in Parliament

A parliamentary committee meeting was brought to a standstill on Wednesday following a heated confrontation between State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang and FUFA president Moses Magogo over the budget for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027).

The dispute erupted when Magogo, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Budiope East, tried to present the football federation's budget estimates for the tournament.

Minister Ogwang immediately objected, arguing that the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) had bypassed the proper channels by failing to consult with the National Council of Sports (NCS).

"I am shocked as a minister because I know FUFA works under the National Council of Sports," Ogwang stated during the proceedings of the Education and Sports Committee.

In response, Magogo insisted that FUFA had followed the correct procedure. Despite efforts by committee chairperson James Kubeketelya to mediate the disagreement, both parties held their ground.

Expressing his frustration, Magogo claimed that the necessary documents had been submitted. "As far as I am concerned, there is a copy delivered at the National Council of Sports," he said, adding, "Whatever is being presented here has zero input from the federation."

However, this claim was directly contradicted by Dr. Bernard Ogwel, the General Secretary of the NCS, who was also present at the meeting.

"We have not received any submission from FUFA," Dr. Ogwel affirmed. "And for all the years NCS has existed, the procedure for budget preparation is communicated at the appropriate time."

The public disagreement underscores growing tensions between the sports ministry and FUFA as Uganda prepares to co-host the prestigious 2027 AFCON tournament with Kenya and Tanzania.