Uganda is set to host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania under the Pamoja Bid project, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Wednesday, September 27, 2023.
The CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, announced the East Africa Pamoja bid as the successful one after the CAF Executive Committee’s meeting in Egypt’s capital, Cairo.
In Uganda, CAF evaluated proposed amenities, including the Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), which is under renovation, and the yet-to-be-constructed stadiums in Hoima and Lira districts.
According to the CAF set standard requirements, each host country should have at least three training grounds near the match venues; all stadiums must install turnstiles at all gates, along with CCTV monitors and padded VIP and VVIP seats well demarcated; a media centre; a media tribune; and a press conference room that can host 50 media personnel and others. All these will provide job opportunities to Ugandans as labourers, while taxes will be collected from the equipment purchased for media use and stadium setting.
AFCON 2027 will put money in the pockets of Ugandans at different levels, and there will also be massive public relations for the country, focusing on the international scene for positive news.
While appearing in the media, the CEO of Great Lakes Safaris LTD, Amos Wekesa, said that this is an opportunity to see money flow in the country.
“We must all appreciate that this AFCON 2027 opportunity has everything to do with everyone in the country. We must all think about how to tap into this opportunity, not just tourism. Sport encourages tourism, and as people in the tourism sector, we are excited about people coming into our country and spending money in our economy,” Wekesa said.
Rogers Mulindwa, the spokesperson for East Africa Pamoja AFCON 2027, said that they have already acquired 20 acres of land from the locals who have earned money from the sale of the land within Hoima City. The investment will help the country take advantage of the presence of the airport in the area.
Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania have one-hour flights to access the different countries. The foreign exchange earned from the several flights will contribute to Uganda’s economic growth.
The influx of people from other countries and areas will necessitate the establishment of hotels and restaurants, which will provide revenue for the proprietors.
The success of AFCON 2027 in Uganda will depend on diligent planning, coordination between the host countries, and the effective implementation of strategies across the aforementioned areas.
It presents an opportunity for Uganda to showcase its capabilities, cultures, and hospitality to the world, contributing to the region’s long-term development and global image.
