Football is one of the most popular sports activities among Ugandans and without any doubts, the news around the corridors of the football powers at FUFA House, Mengo that Uganda will be placing in a bid to host the biggest football tournament on the African continent will be welcomed by everyone.

According to Federation of Uganda Football association (s) president Eng. Moses Magogo; the government of Uganda is considering pushing for the Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted here in 2027.

Magogo revealed this while appearing on 102.1 FUFA FM sports talk-show program “Tutegeere Omupiira” saying that the plan to bid for hosting rights of the 2027 Total-Energies Africa Cup of Nations is in pipe line and FUFA is backing on the interest of H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda.

Magogo revealed that the Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda; Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among told him that the President is much into bringing AFCON 2027 home and promised that he will at the appropriate time come out with the details.

“The Speaker of Parliament confirmed that the President granted a go-ahead for Uganda to make a joint bid with Tanzania to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The President gave acceptance because this is one of the conditions for any Nation willing to host,” Magogo said.

Magogo also revealed that FUFA is also in advanced talks with their counterparts in Tanzania about this project however he was quick to note that both governments must give consent before they finally make that bid.

For any nation to host the AFCON, it must have a minimum of six stadiums which certified by CAF but with Uganda having only one of such status in St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende, Magogo said that there’s will be need to quickly finish up on the renovations works on the Nelson Mandela International Stadium, Namboole as well as building other stadiums that are up to the CAF standards.

“Plans are already underway to upgrade other stadiums like Buhinga in Fort Portal, Masaka Recreation Ground and Akii Bua; and if we can add one or two then we can have the required capacity to back up our bid,” Magogo added.

However according to the FUFA president, if Uganda is to go for a joint bid with Tanzania for the 2027 AFCON then it will require only 3 CAF standard stadiums.

If this dream comes to pass then Uganda will face it off with Namibia, Botswana and Senegal who have also expressed interest in hosting the 2027 edition; with Namibia and Botswana planning for a joint bid.

Story by Joseph Mary Ssempiira www.sportznow.ug Writer