FUFA president Moses Magogo says none of his achievements in football administration compares to seeing Uganda secure the right to host the Africa Cup of Nations, describing the AFCON 2027 handover moment as the most emotional of his tenure.
Speaking after the CAF flag was handed over to the PAMOJA hosts following the AFCON 2025 final in Morocco, Magogo shared a personal reflection on what the moment meant to him and to Uganda. In a statement issued from Rabat, he said the early hours of January 19 left a lasting impression.
“In the wee hours of the morning of 19th January 2026, in the chilly weather of Rabat, I kept turning in my bed accepting that despite achieving historic milestones as the Federation President, none compares to this moment.”
Magogo used the moment to look back on his time leading FUFA, pointing to the return of the Uganda Cranes to the Africa Cup of Nations after a 40 year absence and subsequent qualification four times in a decade. He also cited guiding the Crested Cranes back to the Africa Women Cup of Nations after 22 years.
He said FUFA’s growth under his leadership went beyond national teams, highlighting the construction of a FUFA owned stadium cleared for CAF Category Four matches, as well as the launch of a federation owned satellite television channel and FM radio station that now broadcasts the Uganda Premier League.
Magogo also referenced Uganda’s increased presence at continental and global youth competitions, including two U20 Africa Cup of Nations appearances and the U17 team’s participation at the country’s first FIFA World Cup. He added that hosting CHAN marked Uganda’s first continental football tournament, while legislative efforts helped secure direct government funding for national teams and the passage of the 2023 National Sports Act.
He noted FUFA’s role in pushing government investment in stadium infrastructure at Namboole, Hoima and Aki Bua, alongside the development of more than twelve training facilities, including FUFA’s donation of twenty four acres of land for the Hoima Stadium project. He also pointed to the introduction of medical insurance for players and referees and the stabilisation of football governance structures as key steps during his tenure.
Despite listing those milestones, Magogo said hosting AFCON carried unmatched personal weight.
“None of the above makes me as emotional as realising the dream of bringing AFCON to Uganda in my lifetime.”
He ended his message with a call for unity and hospitality ahead of the 2027 tournament, welcoming Africa and the world to East Africa and Uganda in particular.
