Kampala, Uganda: FUFA President Moses Magogo has described Uganda’s successful bid to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 as the most emotional milestone of his career, calling it the fulfilment of a lifelong dream for Ugandan football.
Uganda will jointly host the tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, marking the first time since AFCON’s inception in 1957 that three countries will co-host the continental showpiece. The tri-nation event, branded PAMOJA AFCON, will take over from the 2025 edition in Morocco.
“None of the above makes me as emotional as realising the dream of bringing AFCON to Uganda in my lifetime,” Magogo said, reflecting on the moment East Africa was handed hosting rights.
Preparations are already in high gear, with the three hosts upgrading stadiums, training facilities, hotels, airports and road networks to meet CAF standards.
In Uganda, government-backed works have focused on flagship venues and support infrastructure, including renovations at Namboole, Hoima, and Akii Bua stadia, alongside upgrades to more than a dozen training grounds nationwide.
Magogo said FUFA has been instrumental in mobilising and coordinating investment, including the donation of 24 acres of land for the Hoima Stadium project, a key AFCON 2027 venue.
A decade of progress
The FUFA boss also pointed to a raft of achievements under his leadership that laid the groundwork for Uganda’s AFCON readiness. These include the return of the Uganda Cranes to AFCON after a 40-year absence, with four qualifications in the last ten years, and the comeback of the Crested Cranes to the Africa Women Cup of Nations after 22 years.
“We have built a FUFA-owned stadium that can host CAF Category Four matches and established a satellite TV channel and FM radio station to broadcast the Uganda Premier League when no media house would invest,” Magogo said.
He added that Uganda’s national teams have now made 20 appearances at continental finals, with the U20 side reaching two finals and the U17 team featuring at Uganda’s first FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Magogo also cited governance reforms and player welfare initiatives as central to Uganda’s AFCON readiness. Among these, FUFA has legislated for direct government funding of national teams, sponsored the 2023 National Sports Act, introduced medical insurance for players and referees in the top men’s and women’s leagues, and stabilised governance structures to reduce football-related conflicts.
Uganda already tested its hosting credentials by staging continental competition through CHAN, a step Magogo says boosted confidence at CAF level.
Eyes on 2027
With the countdown underway, Uganda aims to present a tournament that reflects readiness both on and off the pitch, from competitive national teams to modern facilities and streamlined governance.
“Bringing AFCON to Uganda is a dream I have worked towards my entire life,” Magogo said. “I am proud that our teams, infrastructure and governance are ready to deliver a world-class tournament.”
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