Magogo: None of my achievements match bringing AFCON to Uganda
In a reflective message shared in the early hours of Monday while in Rabat, Magogo said the realization that AFCON would be hosted in Uganda within his lifetime surpassed all other accomplishments he has attained as federation president.
Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Eng. Moses Magogo has described the successful bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the most emotional achievement of his football leadership journey, despite a long list of historic milestones registered under his tenure.
In a reflective message shared in the early hours of Monday while in Rabat, Magogo said the realization that AFCON would be hosted in Uganda within his lifetime surpassed all other accomplishments he has attained as federation president.
Magogo, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Budiope East, has overseen a transformative period in Ugandan football. Under his leadership, the Uganda Cranes returned to AFCON after a 40-year absence, qualifying four times in the last decade, while the Crested Cranes made a comeback to the Africa Women Cup of Nations after 22 years.
His administration has also focused on strengthening football infrastructure and media independence. FUFA constructed a federation-owned stadium capable of hosting CAF Category 4 international matches and launched a satellite television channel and FM radio station, which now broadcast the Uganda Premier League after traditional media houses declined to invest.
Ugandan national teams have qualified for continental competitions more than 20 times during Magogo’s tenure. Notably, the U20 national team reached two continental finals, while the U17 team represented Uganda at its first-ever FIFA World Cup, delivering commendable performances.
On the continental stage, Uganda successfully hosted the African Nations Championship (CHAN), the country’s first CAF tournament. At the legislative level, Magogo sponsored reforms that resulted in direct government funding for national teams and authored a Private Member’s Bill that culminated in the enactment of the National Sports Act, 2023.
Significant investments have also been made in sports infrastructure, with government renovating and constructing international-standard stadiums at Namboole, Hoima, and Aki Bua, alongside more than 12 training facilities nationwide. FUFA contributed 24 acres of land toward the Hoima Stadium project.
Magogo further introduced medical insurance for players and referees in the top men’s and women’s leagues and stabilized FUFA’s governance structures, helping end long-standing internal disputes that had hampered football development.
Despite these achievements, Magogo said hosting AFCON stands apart as a defining national milestone.
“Welcome the World, welcome Africa to East Africa in general and to our motherland Uganda in particular,” he stated.
Uganda’s successful AFCON bid positions the country as a key football destination on the continent and marks a major step in East Africa’s growing role in hosting major international sporting events.
