Kampala, Uganda: Uganda has reaffirmed its readiness to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with government and football leaders from the PAMOJA bloc pledging to deliver a historic tournament despite ongoing infrastructure challenges.
Uganda’s State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, said the country, alongside Kenya and Tanzania, is fully committed to meeting all requirements set by the Confederation of African Football.
Speaking during high-level preparatory meetings in Kampala between CAF and the three host nations, Ogwang thanked CAF for entrusting East Africa with the tournament for the first time.
“On behalf of the Government of Uganda, I reaffirm our commitment to host AFCON 2027 in line with the agreement. The three governments are ready to provide the necessary resources to ensure this tournament is successfully delivered,” he said.
He added, “We promise to make AFCON 2027 the most historic tournament.”
The 2027 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 will mark the first time the competition is jointly hosted by East African nations under the PAMOJA partnership.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations President Moses Magogo described the tournament as a transformative opportunity for the region. “Uganda is home, and you are always welcome back. What we lacked before was opportunity and experience, not ability. Now we have the opportunity,” Magogo said.
He emphasised that the tournament will accelerate regional integration within the East African Community. “This is an opportunity to bring East Africa together. Football will not be the same in this region after this tournament,” the FUFA boss added.
Magogo also pointed to lessons from previous competitions such as the African Nations Championship, noting they will help improve planning and execution. “We are ready to learn, improve and deliver. Our objective is to make East Africa the best host Africa has ever had,” he said.
CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu said the tournament presents a major platform for the region to showcase its potential. “AFCON is a great opportunity for the region to demonstrate its capability and unity. This tournament comes with higher expectations and we must deliver,” Adamu said.
He stressed the need for coordination and accountability among stakeholders. “We must work closely, speak honestly and focus on delivering a strong outcome. We cannot fail,” Adamu added.
The Kampala meetings, bringing together ministers, federation presidents, and senior CAF officials, are focusing on key areas including infrastructure development, safety and security, procurement, finance, media coordination, ticketing, and commercial operations.
The engagements come at a critical time following a CAF inspection in February which indicated that several stadiums across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania were not yet ready to meet required standards.
Despite this, officials remain optimistic that ongoing investments and coordinated planning will ensure readiness ahead of kickoff.
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027, across the three host nations—marking a historic milestone for football in East Africa.
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