May 31 – In a dramatic unexpected move, the President of the Ugandan FA (Fufa), Moses Magogo, has been sanctioned by the United States government after being caught up in allegations of corruption.
Magoga (pictured) was included in the US action because of his association with Uganda’s parliamentary speaker, Anita Among, who is his wife.
Among was sanctioned “due to involvement in significant corruption tied to her leadership” of Uganda’s national assembly, the U.S. State Department said. Three former government ministers were also sanctioned.
A senior member of Uganda’s ruling party, Among has been criticised in Uganda for collecting the equivalent of $894,500 in per diems and entertainment allowances between July 2023 and January 2024, including for trips that did not happen.
The source of her wealth is also under investigations including allegations that she owns property in the UK that has not declared to authorities.
“The Department is also designating Among’s spouse, Moses Magogo Hassim,” said the statement, naming a number of other officials. The State Department said those sanctioned are barred from entering the U.S.
Magogo has been president of the Ugandan FA since 2013 and would have been expected to attend the 2026 World Cup whether or not his country qualifies.
Among has denied the allegations and has claimed she is the victim of a political witch hunt. She says she is being targeted for her role in enacting an anti-gay bill condemned by human rights watchdogs and others.
Uganda’s leader Yoweri Museveni, who has held power since 1986, has long been accused of shielding corrupt but influential officials from criminal prosecution. After his re-election to a sixth term in 2021, he promised to crack down on corruption.
The sanctioning of Magogo, who is a prominent figure in African football, raises significant questions about the future governance and administration of the sport in the country.
As FUFA President, he plays a crucial role including the development of the sport at the grassroots level, organizing national leagues and representing Uganda on the international stage, both within FIFA and the Confederation of African Football.
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