Magogo says AFCON 2027 hosting is defining moment of his FUFA tenure

FUFA president Moses Magogo has described Uganda’s successful bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 as the most powerful and emotional moment of his entire journey in football administration, saying no other achievement comes close to it.

Magogo was speaking after the CAF flag was officially handed over to the PAMOJA hosts following the AFCON 2025 final in Morocco. Writing from Rabat, he revealed that the significance of the moment only truly sank in during the early hours of January 19, 2026.

“In the wee hours of the morning of 19th January 2026, in the chilly weather of Rabat, I kept turning in my bed, coming to terms with the fact that despite all the milestones we have achieved, none compares to this,” Magogo said.

Reflecting on his tenure at the helm of FUFA, Magogo pointed to several historic strides Uganda has made in recent years.

These include the return of the Uganda Cranes to the Africa Cup of Nations after a 40-year absence and qualifying for the tournament four times in a decade, as well as guiding the Crested Cranes back to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after 22 years.

Magogo on FUFA’s role in driving government investment

He also highlighted the federation’s structural and commercial growth, including the construction of a FUFA-owned stadium approved for CAF Category Four matches and the launch of FUFA’s own television and FM radio platforms that now broadcast Uganda Premier League football.

Uganda’s rising profile in youth football also featured prominently in his reflections, with two U20 AFCON appearances and the U17 team making history by reaching the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup.

Magogo further noted that hosting CHAN marked Uganda’s maiden continental tournament, while legislative milestones such as securing direct government funding for national teams and the passing of the 2023 National Sports Act strengthened the sport’s foundation.

On infrastructure, Magogo cited FUFA’s role in driving government investment in Namboole, Hoima and Aki Bua stadiums, the development of more than twelve training facilities, and the federation’s donation of 24 acres of land for the Hoima Stadium project.

He also mentioned the introduction of medical insurance for players and referees and the stabilisation of football governance structures.

Yet, despite all these achievements, Magogo insisted that none carries the same emotional weight as hosting Africa’s biggest football tournament.

“None of the above makes me as emotional as realising the dream of bringing AFCON to Uganda in my lifetime,” he said.

He concluded with a message of unity and hospitality, calling on Ugandans to rally together as the country prepares to welcome Africa — and the world — to East Africa for AFCON 2027.