USPA hits back at Magogo over ‘hit gang’ remarks

Kampala, (UG):- The Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) has fired back at FUFA President Eng Moses Magogo over his controversial remarks labeling a section of sports journalists as a “hit gang” allegedly paid to ruin Ugandan football.

Magogo last week came under fire on social media platform X when he alleged that certain sports journalists criticizing the high ticket prices for national football matches at Namboole Stadium have free access to the venue on matchday.

The FUFA President further claimed that “there is a hit gang of not more than 10 persons that is being paid to position themselves as advocates of fairness in the name of journalists.”

Reacting to Magogo’s remarks, USPA, through its General Secretary Shafik Ssenoga, condemned the FUFA Boss’s statements, which they say undermines the vital role of the media in promoting professionalism and ethical reporting within Uganda’s sports industry.

“We find these remarks demeaning and disrespectful to sports journalists. Such statements undermine the vital role that the media plays in promoting professionalism and ethical reporting in Uganda,” Mr Ssenoga stated.

He emphasized that journalists’ access to Namboole Stadium on matchdays is part of their workspace, enabling them to provide coverage, analysis, and accountability that benefit the growth of sports in the country.

“As an organization dedicated to upholding professionalism and ethical reporting in sports journalism, we believe that mutual respect and collaboration between FUFA and the media are crucial for the growth of the sport,” the statement read.

The association stressed that “the media plays an indispensable role in informing the public, highlighting achievements, and holding stakeholders accountable,” and warned that such disparaging remarks from sports administrators only serve to create unnecessary divisions and hinder progress.

Ssenoga emphasized that as USPA, they are “also engaging FUFA over this matter, and hope to have this solved with an amicable solution.”

Magogo’s comments have sparked backlash within the media fraternity, with journalists and media advocates calling for a retraction and apology from the FUFA President.

Efforts to reach Magogo for further clarification on his remarks were unsuccessful by press time and FUFA has yet to respond to the USPA statement.