AFCON 2027: Uganda’s East Africa Pamoja Bid to be Decided today

All eyes are in Cairo, Egypt where the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has converged to decide on the East Africa Pamoja bid, to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The bid is expected to be announced today in the presence of representatives from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, who submitted the Pamoja bid. The Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang is in Cairo to defend the bid.

The concept of Pamoja, which means “together” in Swahili, embodies the vision of the East African Community, to bring Africa together through the power of football. Early this year, Uganda alongside other East African countries; Kenya and Tanzania tendered a joint bid to host the 2027 AFCON.

While defending their Pamoja bid before CAF earlier today, the 3 EA countries premised their bid on equitable distribution of football benefits. So far, 18 out of 54 countries have hosted AFCON and none of the 3 EA countries has ever hosted it.

It is important to note that CAF is duty-bound to support infrastructure developments in Africa through affirmative action. This means that if Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are given this opportunity, several sports facilities would be constructed ahead of the tournament. Among other countries which have benefited from such sports infrastructural developments include; Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, and Ivory Coast.

Uganda has currently embarked on revamping its sports facilities in anticipation of a successful Pamoja bid. Renovations on Uganda’s national stadium, Mandela, are ongoing while Nakivubo Stadium was completed and awaits commissioning.

Other factors that are likely to play in EAC’s favour are international access through 8 international airports, a multitude of 5-star hotels in all the proposed host countries, tourism destinations, and political and economic stability among others.