The inaugural Football Governance & Business Summit (FGBS) 2026 has been launched in Kampala, with organisers aiming to promote professionalism, accountability and sustainable growth in football.
The summit was unveiled on Monday, August 3rd at Bamus Sarovar Portico Hotel, bringing together media practitioners, licensed FIFA agents and partners ahead of the event scheduled for September 3–4, 2026.
Held under the theme, “Beyond the Pitch: Building a Professional, Accountable and Rights-Based Football Ecosystem in Uganda and East Africa,” the summit will focus on governance, business, player welfare, leadership and the commercial development of the sport.
Football Governance & Business Summit founder and convener Pauline Mbanza said the initiative seeks to strengthen football through collaboration, leadership and accountability.
“Football’s future is shaped not only on the pitch but also in our boardrooms, policies, and leadership. Through the Football Governance and Business Summit, we are building a more professional, accountable, and sustainable football ecosystem for Uganda, East Africa, and beyond,” Mbanza said.
Uganda Premier League manager Eric Owor welcomed the initiative, saying it aligns with efforts to improve professionalism and stakeholder collaboration in Ugandan football.
“Football today is about governance, business, commercial growth, player welfare, and national development. Without addressing these areas, we cannot fully develop the game or unlock its enormous potential,” Owor said.
Licensed FIFA agent Fidel Otafiire highlighted the need for players to better understand their contracts and rights, saying agents have a key role in guiding athletes through their careers.
“As an agent, I believe this summit is important and valuable for players and athletes. It gives them the opportunity to understand what is in their contracts, what their rights and responsibilities are, and how to make informed decisions about their careers,” Otafiire said.
Sports lawyer Timothy Kajja, who delivered the keynote address on governance, stressed the importance of inclusive decision-making in driving reforms within football.
“Stakeholder engagement is central because it gives everyone buy-in. Even if a decision isn’t perfect, everyone is collectively responsible since they were involved in shaping the solution,” Kajja said.
The two-day summit will bring together football leaders, policymakers, commercial partners, legal experts, media practitioners and industry professionals to discuss the future of football governance and business in Uganda and East Africa.
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