Former SC Villa and Uganda Cranes star Hakim Magumba has weighed in on who should support footballers after retirement, saying the responsibility lies more with clubs than the national federation.
Magumba, a long-time fan favourite, argued that players spend most of their careers at clubs, so clubs must take the lead in preparing them for life after football.
“On the issue of former football players living in bad conditions, it goes to clubs because we spend more time there than with the national team,” he said.
He explained that worldwide, it is not the role of federations to take care of former players.
His comments come at a time when many former footballers in Uganda are struggling and blaming the federation for neglect.
Magumba added that the federation cannot support every former player but can still help through organised circles.
At the same awards ceremony where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award, young star James Bogere was named the best footballer for November, Gloria Muzito took the best player award at the World Islamic Solidarity Games, while Joseph Cwinyai-Ai was crowned the best golfer in the final edition of the Real star awards for 2025.
