By Aggrey Baba
FUFA President Moses Magogo has lashed out at former Aruu County MP Odonga Otto, calling him ignorant and dense, in a heated exchange that has exposed sharp disagreements over the governance of Ugandan football.
The exchange, which happened on X (formerly Twitter) just a day ago, started after Magogo attempted to clear his name from widespread accusations that he had manipulated FUFA laws to make himself the only person eligible to contest for the presidency.
“People say I made laws locking people out and made myself the only eligible person for the office of FUFA President,” Magogo wrote, adding, the truth is that the current FUFA statutes were majorly done in 2012 before he became president and were made under the guidance of and approved by FIFA.
In response, Otto accused Magogo of running FUFA like a dictatorship and failing to deliver results, even with increased financial support from FIFA.
“In Ugandan football history we now get more funding. But ask yourselves, why is our performance still so dismal? It is lack of democracy and compliance with FIFA Financial Fair Play rules. Where is the accountability for the USD 5 million that FIFA gives all countries annually?”
Magogo responded by belittling Otto, telling him: “My brother, you don’t know these things. Go read and come back.”
Otto then accused Magogo of moral failure for refusing to step aside when FIFA suspended him over the 2014 World Cup ticketing scandal. He also pointed to two constitutional amendments (one allegedly passed in western Uganda) which he says were designed to lock out any challengers to the FUFA presidency.
“When FIFA suspended you from office, it was moral that you step aside. Instead, it became treasonable to even convene a meeting over the same. So enjoy, it’s your time,” Otto said, adding that it’s now easier to be eligible for President of Uganda than President of FUFA. “It’s a phase. It will pass.”
But Magogo responded with a sharp insult that has since sparked public debate.
“Well, surprised that a person of your stature is this dense. Do you know the eligibility criteria for that position? 99% of them were established in the former leadership reign! Don’t be an idiot.”
This exchange has drawn mixed reactions online, with some Ugandans saying Magogo crossed the line by insulting a former MP, while others defended him, saying Otto was poking where he doesn’t understand.
Otto, who is known for speaking his mind, has insisted that FUFA under Magogo is operating like a closed system, where only a few people benefit and the majority are locked out (despite football being a national passion).
“These are public funds and a public sport. FUFA belongs to Ugandans, not a few people who make the rules and protect themselves,” Otto wrote.
This is not the first time Magogo’s leadership has come under scrutiny. Despite Uganda qualifying for AFCON in 2017 and 2019, recent performances by the national team have declined, raising concerns about management and direction.
The ongoing fight between Otto and Magogo has raised important issues about accountability, inclusivity, and the need for reform within FUFA’s leadership structure. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
