CECAFA new president assumes office, promises regional growth

CECAFA new President Paulos Weldehaimanot officially assumed office today at the CECAFA Secretariat Headquarters, where he was warmly received by FKF President, Hussein Mohamed.

Flanked by CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde, Paulos outlined his bold vision for a more revitalized and impactful CECAFA.

New CECAFA Executive Committee

From Left:
Francis Amin Michael (South Sudan Football Federation)

Shema Ngoga Fabrice (Rwanda Football Federation)

Ali Abdi Mohamed (Somali Football Federation)

President: Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam (Eritrean National Football Federation) pic.twitter.com/c8Ab73RANG

— Cecafaonline (@Cecafaonline) February 8, 2026

Paulos’ mission centers on strengthening institutional structures, enhancing strategic partnerships—particularly with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports—and driving sustainable growth across the region.

Having earlier in the day met Ministry of Youth and Sports he revealed established and ongoing engagements between CECAFA and the Ministry aimed at establishing a permanent CECAFA Headquarters in Nairobi.

This is deemed at enhancing CECAFA stability and regional influence.

He emphasised the need for more capacitated human resources to elevate the game, especially as the region—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—prepares to co-host Africa’s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.

In his remarks, Hussein Mohamed welcomed the new President with kind words, pledging full support and collaboration to ensure CECAFA achieves its strategic objectives.

The handover ceremony was attended by the CECAFA Vice-President and members of the CECAFA Secretariat, marking the beginning of a renewed chapter for regional football governance.

New CECAFA Executive Committee

President: Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam (Eritrean National Football Federation)

All Federation

Vice President: Ali Abdi Mohamed (Somali Football Federation)

Executive Committee

Francis Amin Michael (South Sudan Football Federation)

Shema Ngoga Fabrice (Rwanda Football Federation)