Magogo confident AFCON 2027 will redefine football in East Africa
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded hosting rights for AFCON 2027 to a joint East African bid, a milestone Magogo said would not only elevate the game but also strengthen regional cooperation.
Moses Magogo has praised the Government of Uganda for backing East Africa’s successful bid to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), describing the tournament as a turning point for football and regional integration.
Speaking on behalf of the football fraternity in Uganda and the wider East African region, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations president expressed gratitude to government leaders for supporting the historic bid, which will see East Africa host the continental showpiece for the first time.
Magogo noted that while the region has long possessed the capacity to stage major tournaments, it had lacked the opportunity and experience.
“We have always had the ability as East Africa to host events of this magnitude. What we were lacking was the opportunity and the experience,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded hosting rights for AFCON 2027 to a joint East African bid, a milestone Magogo said would not only elevate the game but also strengthen regional cooperation.
He emphasized that the tournament aligns with broader efforts to deepen integration within the East African Community, adding that football remains a powerful unifying force.
“This is a major opportunity for the East African Community. Our leaders have consistently called for greater integration, and football—the most beautiful game—is now being used to bring the region together,” Magogo said.
He added that the tournament’s impact would extend beyond the pitch, citing expected growth in tourism and economic activity as key benefits.
“Beyond the goals, AFCON brings value to our territory by attracting visitors and boosting tourism. This will have a significant contribution to our economies,” he noted.
Magogo acknowledged that preparations will come with challenges but stressed that the region is ready to learn and deliver a successful tournament with guidance from the Confederation of African Football.
“Our objective is to make East Africa the best host Africa has ever seen. We are ready to learn and ensure we meet all the required standards,” he said.
He also paid tribute to CAF President Patrice Motsepe for championing inclusivity in hosting rights across the continent.
Magogo further highlighted the long-term benefits of the tournament, particularly in addressing infrastructure gaps.
“As the football community, we are grateful because the infrastructure challenge in East Africa is being solved once and for all. This will not stop at AFCON—we expect to host more CAF competitions in the future because we will have both the experience and the facilities,” he said.
AFCON 2027 is expected to leave a lasting legacy on football development in the region, with Magogo expressing confidence that the sport “will never be the same again” in East Africa after the tournament.
