At RUFODE, we believe that sport and other types of physical activities have manifold positive impacts on individuals, communities and society at large. Being active has a myriad of health benefits, but sport being a part of the civil society, fosters inclusion, life-long learning and democracy as well. Guided by our values – democracy, equality, inclusion, sustainability, integrity and education –, we advocate for Ugandan policy that enables a thriving civil society of sport and the modernization of the sports movement. The experience we have gained and the influence we have grown over the past decades gives us the authenticity to represent grassroots sport in the kigezi sports political sphere in the most credible way.

RUFODE fulfils its vision and mission through different activities, most notably advocacy, projects and events. We produce and disseminate publications that e.g. promote our positions, raise awareness on the positive impact of sport to individuals, communities and societies, and inform on the work and organization of sports.

Guided by the RUFODE Policy Programme – a document reflecting the common positions of our members – we are advocating for Ugandan policy that enables a thriving civil society of sport and the modernisation of the sports movement. For us, sport is not only a great way to stay physically active and healthy, but also a means to engage people socially, empower them as citizens, and contribute to lifelong learning.

Through our projects, we develop and share policies and tools that promote equality, diversity, inclusion, sustainability and integrity in sport, as well as innovations that enable sports clubs to modernize and find new members and volunteers.

SPORTS Solution

Football has the capability to influence democratic practices through team building and leadership exercises; academic performance owing to the fact that physically active children do better at school; health and wellness; and, foster social inclusion for ethnically diverse population. Each child benefits from participation, competition, and recreation. By providing them with a platform to interact, grow, and influence each other, football for development creates stronger communities.

Long-Term Impact

Community based sport goes a long way to keep children involved in healthy physical activity and become better citizens. Many children find their confidence through playing a team sport and take initiatives to change their communities for the better. Young girls who play will advocate for their daughters to play in the future; adolescents who excel become role models within their communities; and parents and spectators get involved in community events. When our children play, we all win.