Anita Among the speaker of the Ugandan parliament, has lead the charge of supporting the joint East African bid to co-host the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
Among’s commitment to the bid underscores her belief in the transformative power of hosting the AFCON and its potential to boost Uganda’s economy.
During a meeting with the bidding committee for AFCON 2027, led by Justus Mugisha, the first vice president of the Uganda’s Football Association (FUFA), Among expressed her confidence in the region’s ability to successfully host the AFCON.
She also called upon her fellow speakers in the East African Community countries to rally behind this exceptional opportunity, recognizing the immense benefits that hosting AFCON 2027 would bring to the region.
“We are confident that hosting AFCON 2027 will be a significant boost to Uganda’s economy,” she said.
“I am satisfied with the progress made, even if there are still some problems to sort out.”
I urge my fellow speakers in the East African Community countries to extend their support to this extraordinary opportunity coming to our region.”
Uganda, in collaboration with Tanzania and Kenya, has submitted a joint bid named East Africa Pamoja, emphasizing the spirit of unity and regional cooperation.
The bid booklet was expected to be submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on May 17, 2023.
On Mondya, Kenya’s president William Ruto of Kenya echoed Among’s sentiments, emphasizing the unity and marketing prospects the bid presents.
“We intend to launch a compelling bid that will succeed in making Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania the epicenters of regional and continental footballing resurgence,” Ruto declared.
A crucial aspect of the bid is the development and improvement of sports infrastructure.
Uganda’s parliament has pledged to prioritize financial provisions for the enhancement of sports facilities across the country.
Currently, Uganda has no CAF-certified facility, with the Mandela National Stadium under renovations to meet the required CAF standards.
Meanwhile, Kenya has identified potential host venues, including Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, and the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
Tanzania’s national stadium in Benjamin Mkapa and the Chamazi Complex are also being considered as potential match venues.
Kenya won the right to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996, and in 2018 they won the bid to stage the African Nations Championships (CHAN), but they were later stripped of the rights due to a lack of infrastructure, on both occasions.
Senegal, Burkina Faso, Algeria and Zambia, have also expressed interest in bidding for the hosting rights of AFCON 2027
CAF has not disclosed the deadline for bids, but the announcement of the hosts for AFCON 2027, along with AFCON 2025, is expected before September.
