FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has on Wednesday given the latest update in regard to the East Africa PAMOJA bid for 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The President revealed the progress so far and the upcoming events in a press briefing held at FUFA Complex.
The President was flanked by FUFA 2nd Vice President Darius Mugoye, FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi, FUFA CEO Edgar Watson, FUFA EXCO Members Rogers Mulindwa, Rogers Mulindwa and Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe plus FUFA Deputy CEO-Football Decolas Kiiza.
He started by giving a preamble of how the idea was mooted and the initial stages that were done.
“As you are aware, there was a call by CAF in January for countries to bid as hosts for AFCON 2027 and three East African Nations (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) came together to officially express interest,” he started before adding, “We first had engagements as the three federations ((FUFA, FKF and TFF). The next step was to get approval from Governments of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania which I’m glad to report we got. All the three Governments of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania signed seven different guarantees that are provided by CAF and later submitted as required.”
The President lauded the three heads of States (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) indicating they have been positive about the bid and ready to support it.
“I want in a special way to thank the Heads of States of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, H.E William Samoei Ruto and H.E Samia Suluhu who have been supportive in this cause and committed to invest in order to realize this dream.” He said.
FUFA President revealed that the CAF inspection team will visit Uganda on 28th and 29th July to identity to identify the key venues that were proposed.
“We have done series of meetings with different key stakeholders, inspections and been to various locations. We are now at a stage where we need to update the country of what has happened and what is next.”
“The CAF Inspection Team will visit the three East African states, starting with Kenya today and will be in Uganda on 28th and 29th July before proceeding to Tanzania. As FUFA, we have earmarked some of the venues that will used for sampling purposes during the inspection.” He stated.
The proposed venues
Hospital – Mulago Hospital
Hotels – Sheraton Hotel and Kampala Serena Hotel
Training Grounds – Kampala International School Uganda (KISU), Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku, Denver Godwin Stadium, St. Mary’s Stadium and Nakivubo Stadium.
Stadiums – Mandela National Stadium, Akii Bua Stadium and Hoima (Proposed for construction)
Airports – Entebbe International Airport, Kabalega Airport, Hoima.
“As FUFA we sent FUFA EXCO Member Ronnie Kalema to observe the process. We shall also have Rogers Byamukama move with the team to Tanzania to do the same. Equally, we expect someone from Kenya and Tanzania to also be here so that we are working along the same lines.”
FUFA President called upon Ugandans to embrace and support the bid because it will have positive impact on the region if it is succeeds.
“I want to inform the public that bids are awarded on plans not what exists. We have the confidence that by 2027 the necessary structures will be in place.This bid is for all of us. Every Ugandan should support because Government has made the commitment to do massive investment in infrastructure. When Uganda hosted CHOGM in 2007 there were benefits that came along including the hotel industry. We believe hosting AFCON will have lasting impact on this region.” He stated.
The last time an East African Member Association hosted the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations tournament was in 1970 by Sudan.
