Uganda has been invited to bid for hosting rights for one of the five CECAFA tournaments scheduled for 2025, following the recent CECAFA Ordinary Assembly held in Juba, South Sudan.
The opportunity comes as Uganda ramps up preparations to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027, a milestone event that could elevate the country’s stature in African football.
During the assembly at the Imperial Plaza Hotel, delegates approved the 2025 CECAFA calendar, which includes the inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Competition in Kenya (May 31 to June 7), the CECAFA Senior Women’s Challenge Cup, the CECAFA Senior Men’s Challenge Cup, the Dar Port Kagame Cup (August 31 to September 14), and qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Member associations were encouraged to submit bids to host these tournaments.
If Uganda secures hosting rights, it could serve as a vital test run for the country’s readiness to stage continental events ahead of AFCON 2027.
With infrastructural upgrades already underway, successfully hosting a CECAFA tournament would enhance Uganda’s credentials as a capable football destination while offering fans a preview of what to expect in 2027.
Uganda boasts a rich legacy in CECAFA competitions, with the men’s national team, the Cranes, holding a record 15 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup titles.
The team’s dominance has made Uganda a powerhouse in the region, with their most recent triumph coming in 2019.
In women’s football, Uganda has made significant strides, with the Crested Cranes consistently reaching the later stages of the CECAFA Women’s Challenge Cup. Their victory in the 2022 edition showcased the rapid growth of the women’s game in the country.
At the youth level, Uganda has excelled as well, winning multiple CECAFA U-20 and U-17 tournaments.
Uganda is already earmarked to co-host CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania in August. It remains to be seen if Uganda will bid to host any CECAFA tournaments.
Uganda has already hosted the CECAFA U17 AFCON qualifiers that were held at the Hamz Stadium in Nakivubo.
