The British High Commissioner in Uganda, Alison Blackburn, believes football can play a significant factor in development, writes Joseph Kimbowa.

Blackburn was speaking at a workshop organised by the British Council under their Premier Skills project.

"Most Ugandans I meet have a Premier League team they support. We can, therefore, use the passion for football among people to improve the lives of young children in Uganda," she says. "This country has a young population [52% is below 18 years]; I think through football, these can be more patriotic for their country."

Premier Skills is a partnership between the English Premier League and the British Council aimed at combining the Premier League's global appeal and experience in developing football-based community projects, with the reach and experience of the British Council in education and culture.

Since its launch in Uganda in 2008, Premier Skills (with the help of Premier League coaches) have trained more than 30 Ugandan grassroots coaches in physical skills, life skills and availed with community development.