The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) on Friday started food distribution support program (10 tonnes of Rice) to the football players and officials across the country.
The donation was meant to cater for the over 2000 football players and officials in the Uganda Premier League, FUFA Big League, FUFA Women Super League and FUFA Women Elite League who are no longer earning as football in the country is at a halt due to the current lock down.
However, the initiative left out a sections of the player who don’t necessarily qualify but are severely hit by the COVID-19 effects.
This has prompted the Eastern Region Football Association (ERFA) to embark on gathering donations from all stakeholders and well wishers to cater for affected 3rd Division players.
The Association Chairman Isa Mussiwa told ChimpReports that FUFA’s donation to the first and second division leagues was a wake-up call to other Associations of lower divisions to act and come to the aid of the 3rd division players.
“When FUFA communicated about giving food to first and second division players it was a wake up call to us as Regional Football Associations on how we can help the lower league players and we had to sit down and draft how far we can reach” said Mussiwa.
He added, “I appreciate those who have already reacted to our call positively but my appeal also goes to all football stakeholders and well wishers to come in and contribute to the social being of players.”
The Regional Association is comprised of two groups, the Nile and Bukedi and according to Chairman’s plan, the target is getting 5 tones of Posho and 2 tones of beans, expected to be given out before the end of this week.
Over 600 players are expected to benefit from this initiative as outlined by the Admin Football Club president Henry Owori.
“Most of our players depend on match allowances from their clubs and by this time of no games we need to support them this will keep us united,” said Owori who contributed one million Uganda shillings towards the cause.
The Division Promotional Route
The Group Leader in Bukedi battles the winner of Nile group in a single tie played on a neutral ground to determine the Eastern Regional League champion.
Eastern Regional League champions take on North East Region winner on a home and away basis where the overall winner of the double header gains promotion to the second tier, the FUFA Big League.
