UEFA Boss Čeferin Deeply Moved By Uganda’s Aliguma Foundation

As the UEFA Foundation for Children celebrates a decade of impact, its chair and UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin singled out Uganda’s Aliguma Foundation as one of the most moving experiences in his journey with the organisation.

Global Impact: Aleksander Čeferin with Aliguma Foundation kids and officials, including CEO Ritah Aliguma, at a UEFA Foundation for Children project in Greece last year. (All Photos UEFA Media)

Reflecting on the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, Čeferin praised the sheer reach of their mission - having touched the lives of nearly five million children in 140 countries—but saved special mention for two emotional highlights: a visit to the Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, and an eye-opening encounter in Uganda.

Football as a tool

"Another striking memory is the visit to the Aliguma Foundation in Uganda," said Čeferin. "Witnessing how local empathy and resilience take root through football was profoundly moving."

The Aliguma Foundation, founded by journalist Ritah Aliguma in 2017, has turned sports into a vehicle for social transformation in underserved Ugandan communities. Its initiatives empower children and women through football, education, and enterprise - a model that clearly left a mark on one of global football’s most influential figures.

Inspiring Moment: Ali Turganbekov presents Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson with the trophy at the 2019 UEFA Super Cup.

“In both cases, it was a life-altering experience,” Čeferin added, speaking of Zaatari and Uganda. “These children have nothing in this world, yet they smile, they play, they sing, they dance. More importantly, they dream.”

The UEFA Foundation’s anniversary celebrations were marked by stories of resilience and hope from across the globe. But Čeferin’s heartfelt reflection on the Aliguma Foundation reaffirms how grassroots football in places like Uganda continues to resonate powerfully at the highest levels of the game.

Bringing hope & opportunity

Reacting to Čeferin’s remarks, Ritah Aliguma said:

“For a leader of his calibre to recognise the work we do in our small communities is humbling. It shows that the power of football knows no borders - and that our children’s dreams matter on the world stage.”

The UEFA Foundation continues to grow its reach beyond Europe, partnering with local organisations to bring hope and opportunity to the world’s most vulnerable children. The Aliguma Foundation is currently the only Ugandan initiative recognised under its global projects.

Special Bond: Aleksander Čeferin with Loukia at the 2023 UEFA Super Cup.

I prefer this response

As the next decade begins, Čeferin says UEFA aims to deepen such partnerships and use the game to build even more inclusive futures for children everywhere.

The mission remains that every child must be given a chance to thrive.