FUFA President Moses Magogo revealed on NBS Sport’s “Inside Sport” show on Monday evening that selling the “Pamoja” joint bid for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to President Yoweri Museveni was a relatively easy task.
Magogo stated, “President Museveni has always encouraged regional collaboration. He frequently asks us how we can present ideas as a region, so the Pamoja bid resonated strongly with him.”
The Pamoja bid, a joint effort by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, faced stiff competition from countries like Senegal, Algeria, and Nigeria at the CAF level.
However, Magogo emphasized the region’s unique selling points that eventually led to winning of the hosting rights.
“We highlighted the fact that East Africa has never hosted AFCON, our existing infrastructure, significant population, and numerous tourist attractions,” he said.
Interestingly, Magogo pointed out that the biggest skeptics of the Pamoja bid were often Ugandans, Kenyans, and Tanzanians themselves.
“AFCON is awarded based on plans, and we had a solid plan,” he asserted.
The successful bid, according to Magogo, directly led to the government’s decision to construct a new stadium in Hoima.
He explained, “The Rujumba family generously donated 10 acres of land to us for this purpose. Mr. Rujumba had always envisioned an international stadium in Hoima. FUFA acquired an additional 10 acres, and when the government expressed interest in building the stadium, we handed over the land.”
Magogo added that the construction of the Hoima stadium is progressing ahead of schedule, thanks to the expertise of the contractor, Summa.
Uganda will co-host CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania as a precursor for the AFCON 2027 tournament.
