FUFA president Moses Magogo has struck a hopeful tone regarding East Africa’s bid to stage the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, insisting the vision remains firmly alive despite recent scrutiny over preparedness.
With CAF previously highlighting gaps in readiness across the joint hosts Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, Magogo emphasized that the situation is far from irredeemable.
Instead, he framed the tournament as a strategic priority for African football leadership, provided corrective steps are taken swiftly and effectively:
“I am here to give Ugandans hope that it’s the dream for CAF and its president to have Africa Cup of Nations hosted in East Africa. The presidents of the three nations have supported this, as well as the people in the region.”
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Magogo urged stakeholders to shift focus toward accountability and collaboration, calling for a pragmatic response to the shortcomings identified in CAF’s February 2026 assessment. He stressed that progress will depend on collective responsibility and a willingness to bring in expertise where necessary:
“So it’s upon everyone who has been entrusted with the responsibility to do his or her role. In case of any mistake, let us accept and involve those who are more knowledgeable to correct the mistake.”
Turning attention to infrastructure, Magogo singled out developments at Hoima Stadium as an area requiring urgent action. While funding assurances have reportedly been secured, he noted that key components, particularly training facilities, remain incomplete and must be prioritized without delay:
“At Hoima Stadium, they are facilities that are yet to be worked upon, so works need to get started as early as possible. Good enough cabinet confirmed the availability of funds, but time is needed on some things.”
Magogo also dismissed claims surrounding the recent CAF inspection visit, clarifying that local authorities did not initiate the process, contrary to earlier remarks attributed to Peter Ogwang.
The AFCON 2027 preparations have increasingly come under the spotlight in Uganda’s political arena. During a heated parliamentary session, Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi pressed the government for clarity following CAF’s critical findings, raising doubts about the country’s ability to meet required standards.
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In response, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja reassured lawmakers that necessary measures are being implemented to ensure Uganda fulfills its hosting obligations.
Despite the tension between optimism and concern, Magogo’s message remains clear: the dream of hosting AFCON in East Africa is still within reach, but only if urgency, coordination, and execution match the ambition.
