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Uganda, alongside neighbours Kenya and Tanzania, joined forces to present their bid, termed the 'Pamoja' bid for consideration to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
FUFA President, Moses Magogo, has expressed his robust confidence that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is destined to make its historic debut in East Africa in 2027.
Uganda, alongside neighbours Kenya and Tanzania, joined forces to present their bid, termed the 'Pamoja' bid for consideration to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Speaking to a press conference to provide update on the progress of the bid, Magogo, exuded buoyant confidence, stating, "We have what it takes to host Africa in this region."
He elucidated this strong sentiment, revealing that East Africa and Botswana are the only territories yet to host the AFCON, thereby making them eligible for priority under CAF's rules.
This strategic advantage coupled with the North African countries - Algeria and Morocco - bidding for the 2025 tournament solidifies East Africa's candidacy.
"East Africa [together with Botswana] are the only ones that have never hosted AFCON before. And according to CAF, the first priority is always given to those that have never hosted,” said Magogo.
"We know that the 2025 AFCON will be hosted in North Africa by virtue of the nations bidding.”
“CAF’s procedure is to have the tournament visit every region in subsequent editions, and not have two editions in the same region," he explained.
"We are confident in our ability to host the tournament because it’s supported by three Federations and three Heads of State," stated Magogo, highlighting the unprecedented regional unity on display.
"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.
This unity translates into tangible commitment, with Kenya Football Federation (FKF) president, Nick Mwendwa, revealing that the bid was backed by USD 90 million, with each nation providing guarantees of USD 30 million.
It is reinforced by the governments' pledges to avail resources to upgrade sporting facilities to meet the AFCON hosting standards.
"The guarantee we have from Government is that the resources are available to ensure that these facilities are put to the standard that are required for us to host AFCON,” added Magogo.
"We have the plans to ensure that by 2027, in case we are given the bid, we shall put in place the right infrastructure required," stated the FUFA president.
To validate East Africa’s plans to host the event, a CAF inspection team is set to visit the three nations, starting with Kenya. The inspection team will the proceed to Uganda on July 28-29 and conclude their tour with Tanzania.
The inspection team headed by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) from Switzerland) is scheduled to conduct an extensive tour of the region, assessing each nation's sporting infrastructure, hotels, healthcare facilities, and transportation networks.
Uganda is set to showcase the Mandela National Stadium, St. Mary's Stadium, and Nakivubo Stadium, with the latter two earmarked as training grounds.
In addition, the five-star Sheraton Hotel Kampala and Serena Hotel will be inspected, alongside the country’s only international airport at Entebbe, and the Mulago National Referral Hospital.
"We expect the CAF inspection team who will come to check on the facilities in East Africa,” said Magogo said.
"As FUFA, we have earmarked some of the venues that will used as sample space during the inspection."
Magogo envisions the opportunity to host the AFCON as a transformative moment for East Africa, which promises not only to enhance the sports infrastructure landscape but also to significantly boost the region's competitive football presence on the continent.
To rival East Africa’s push to bring the AFCON to the East coast of Africa include, Algeria who are also bidding to host the 2025 AFCON.
Algeria is among the top football nations on the continent, and could be ready to host any event by the snap of a finger given the wealth of facilities.
The North African nation hosted the 2023 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) and currently has five venues in four cities accredited by CAF.
Another Nort African nation Egypt have also presented themselves in the running for hosting the tournament.
Egypt, who hosted the tournament in 2019, currently has six stadiums in three cities accredited by CAF.
Senegal became the fifth candidate to submit a hosting bid for the AFCON when the West African nation officially submitted its bid on Monday.
Senegal, the current AFCON Champions from 2021, last hosted the tournament in 1992 and had been considering a bid for hosting 2025.
Botswana was counting on neighbours Namibia to submit a joint bid termed ‘BONA 2027’, but the latter pulled out due to financial constraints.
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