Magogo Calls for Regional Unity and Strong Structures Ahead of AFCON 2027

The FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, has emphasised the need for a unified regional approach and strong football structures as Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania intensify preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking during the two-day PAMOJA 2027 workshop at Mestil Hotel in Nsambya, which began on Wednesday, April 22, the FUFA President revealed that a joint committee comprising representatives from the three host nations will be formed to streamline planning and coordination.

“Following this meeting, a proposed joint committee will be constituted with members from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania,” he said. “There are key issues we must address with one voice because CAF is not looking at us as separate nations, but as one host of AFCON 2027.”

He highlighted several critical areas under discussion, including tournament promotion, visa arrangements, customs procedures and overall fan experience.

“We are looking at how to promote the tournament, visa processes, civil entry requirements and customs. These are issues that will ensure fans have a positive experience and are encouraged to return,” he noted.

Magogo welcomed CAF’s support in facilitating the workshop, expressing optimism about improved organisation ahead of the tournament.

“I am pleased that CAF accepted to have this meeting, and I believe it will help us become more organised to deliver a successful AFCON in 2027,” he added.

He stressed that meeting CAF standards is non-negotiable, noting that the tournament experience goes beyond football.

“We must meet the required standards. Fans will experience much more than just football. We need proper infrastructure, roads and hotels completed on time. Equally important is how we receive visitors and the overall experience we offer, as well as preparing a competitive team—not just to participate, but to compete as hosts,” he said.

On the issue of national team competitiveness, the Magogo revealed that the federation had presented proposals to government, which have since informed ongoing planning despite initial public perceptions.

“The government asked how we intend to build a strong national team. As a federation, we responded with projections. While some viewed it as a clash between the federation and the minister in Parliament, the reality is that many of those ideas have been adopted. Some figures were adjusted and certain items dropped, but the document has been absorbed by government,” he explained.

He underscored the importance of strengthening domestic football as a foundation for a competitive national team.

“To build a strong national team, clubs must function effectively because that is where players are developed and maintained. As a federation, we do not keep players; we only summon them for national duty,” he said.

“We want to ensure that players at club level meet the required standards so that when they are called up, they can compete effectively alongside others from different parts of the world.”

The FUFA President also revealed plans to engage local clubs on areas of improvement, particularly in light of government funding support.

“We are going to sit down with the clubs to identify priority areas and set clear targets. Initially, the proposal was UGX 30 billion, but the government has so far committed UGX 5 billion, which is yet to be released. We shall work together to ensure these resources contribute to improving the national team,” he noted.

He added that the government’s immediate priority is to meet the overall AFCON 2027 budget, after which more resources are expected to be directed towards club football development.

The workshop has brought together football federation leaders, government officials, Local Organising Committees and CAF representatives to assess and align preparations for the continental showpiece.

The CAF delegation is led by Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu, while CAF President Patrice Motsepe has continued to support the joint hosting bid by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027, across the three East African nations.