FUFA President Calls Securing AFCON 2027 Hosting Rights His Most Emotional Achievement

Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) President Moses Magogo has identified securing the co-hosting rights for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the most significant and emotional milestone of his leadership, placing it above all other accomplishments during his tenure.

In a statement released shortly after the 2025 AFCON final in Morocco, Moses Magogo reflected on the profound impact of bringing the continental showpiece to Uganda.

Uganda is set to co-host the 2027 tournament with Kenya and Tanzania under the "Pamoja" bid. This marks a historic first for the East African region and the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) zone.

"Despite achieving historic milestones as the Federation… none of the above makes me as emotional as realising the dream of bringing AFCON to Uganda in my lifetime," he said as quoted by Nile Post.

"Taking Uganda Cranes back to Afcon after 40 years (and now 4 times in 10 years), taking the Crested Cranes back to Wafcon [Women's Africa Cup of Nations) after 22 years."

Magogo, who has led FUFA since 2013, listed several other key achievements under his watch. He highlighted the Uganda Cranes' return to AFCON after a 40-year absence, noting the team has now qualified four times in the last decade.

He also pointed to the Crested Cranes' qualification for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 22-year hiatus.

Further accomplishments include the development of a federation-owned stadium certified for top-tier international matches and the launch of FUFA's own media outlets.

"Starting and operating a Satellite TV Channel and FM Radio owned by the Federation that now produces and airs the Uganda Premier League when no media house was willing to invest," Magogo stated.

He also emphasised progress across all national youth teams, with 20 qualifications for continental finals, including two finals appearances for the U20 team and a notable performance by the U17 team at its first FIFA World Cup.

On the governance front, Magogo cited reforms such as securing direct government funding for national teams and championing the 2023 National Sports Act.

This engagement has spurred significant infrastructure investment, including renovations at Namboole and new stadiums in Hoima and Akii Bua, with FUFA contributing 24 acres for the Hoima project.

Despite this extensive list of successes, Magogo reiterated that hosting AFCON remains the defining moment of his presidency.

As preparations for the 2027 tournament ramp up, the three host nations are poised to stage Africa's premier football event for the first time in their history.