Ugandan football president on reflective visit to US

The President of the American Football Federation of Uganda (AFFU), Steven George Okeng is currently in the United States of America (USA) for an official working visit.

During the visit, Okeng held important discussions and signed several memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with key game stakeholders.

During his historic tour, Okeng visited the Ugandan Embassy in Washington DC, Villanova Soccer College and the Philadelphia Eagles team (he also attended a practice session).

I met and had talks with HE Santa Laker Kinyera, the Ambassador of Uganda to the United States of America (USA). I held discussions on matters of mutual interest and cooperation between the Embassy and the Federation. I discussed with HE the Ambassador the various opportunities in the United States that we could exploit to realize Uganda’s foreign policy in this regard. I also expressed my appreciation for the progress made in the ongoing implementation of the revitalized sports tourism sub-sector in Uganda.

Steven George Okeng, American Football Federation Uganda (AFFU)

Okeng also met and held crucial discussions with NFL head coach Jeremiah Washburn, Philadelphia youth football program officials, head coach of NFL Eagles head coach Nick Sirriani and the 22 coordinators of the Global Scouting Network.

My trip to the United States of America (USA) further helped to establish a relationship with the Ugandan Embassy in the United States. We need the embassy at all times in the development of American football in Uganda. I have also met with several sports infrastructure development officials and we are reviewing the development of the land given to us by Kyambogo University for administrative offices and playing facilities.

Steven George Okeng, American Football Federation Uganda (AFFU)

Okeng also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the All 22 Global Scouting Network in which they agreed to create opportunities for Ugandan athletes through exchange programs, equipment donations to Ugandan athletes, etc.

He also met with leaders of the Philadelphia community sports program to further foster the development of capacity building through coach education; referees and game administrators to establish a working relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles team.

As he wraps up his tour of the United States, Okeng will travel to California to meet with the Athletes for Life organization.

Athletes for Life also intends to visit Uganda at the end of June 2022.

Okeng will return home mid-June 2022.