Leaders from government, CAF and the PAMOJA Host Nations delivered strong messages of commitment, unity and readiness as the CAF AFCON 2027 workshop opened in Kampala, setting the tone for the next phase of preparations with a shared ambition to deliver a historic and transformative tournament for East Africa.
Hon. Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports – Uganda
I thank the Confederation of African Football for giving PAMOJA this opportunity to host AFCON in 2027. I would like us to clap for the Confederation of African Football. Secondly, allow me to thank the President of the Confederation of African Football and his executive for continuing to support PAMOJA in its endeavours to host this tournament for the first time in the history of football in East Africa.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Uganda and on my own behalf, I reaffirm our commitment to host AFCON in 2027 in line with the agreement. I assure you that the three governments are committed to providing the resources required to ensure this tournament takes place as scheduled.
I also thank the Confederation of African Football for the technical assistance provided, and I congratulate the Acting General Secretary. This will be one of his major tournaments and, as PAMOJA, we pledge that we will not let you down. We promise to make AFCON 2027 the most historic tournament.
Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you to Uganda. Kampala is a city of seven hills and we do not sleep. When you are here, we work 24 hours. Enjoy your stay and I wish you fruitful deliberations.
You are most welcome to Uganda. On behalf of the Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, I thank you. I say all this for God and my country.
Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, FUFA President
First of all, welcome everybody to Uganda. Uganda is home and you are always welcome back.
I thank the Government of Uganda for accepting our proposal to bid to host AFCON for the first time in the East African region. Our governments supported the project, we presented our bid to the Confederation of African Football, and we were awarded the rights to host AFCON 2027.
These events were previously hosted in other regions of Africa, but not East Africa. What we lacked was opportunity and experience, not ability. We now have the opportunity, and we will learn from the Confederation of African Football, which has vast experience in hosting AFCON.
This is also an opportunity for the East African Community. Our leaders have emphasised regional integration, and football is bringing East Africa together. It is an opportunity to strengthen and deepen our community.
Football will not be the same in this region after this tournament. CHAN created demand and engagement among fans, and it also demonstrated the wider value of football, including increased visitor numbers and tourism benefits.
We are ready to learn, improve and deliver. Where we fell short during CHAN, we will improve. Our objective is to make East Africa the best host Africa has ever had.
I thank the President of the Confederation of African Football, Dr Patrice Motsepe, for supporting wider participation in hosting. This tournament is already addressing infrastructure challenges in East Africa. It will not end with AFCON, as we will have the capacity to host more competitions.
I also congratulate the General Secretary on his appointment. He comes with the right experience at the right time, having been directly involved in competitions.
I thank all staff of the Confederation of African Football for making time to be here. Let us engage, learn and share. If it is your first time in Uganda, enjoy and celebrate, while ensuring we make the right decisions for football.
Dear colleagues, this is a unique opportunity to showcase what East Africa can deliver. Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania must think beyond AFCON 2027. This is not just an opportunity for individual countries, but for the entire region and Africa.
We have seen the capacity of the Confederation of African Football and the leadership of the General Secretary, Samson Adamu, alongside Dr Patrice Motsepe. This gives us confidence to address challenges and deliver a successful tournament and a lasting legacy.
What happens after 2027 will define us. The legacy we leave behind for future generations will be critical. This requires sacrifice, longer hours and commitment beyond personal interests.
It is an honour to be part of this process. I assure all stakeholders that we will do everything possible to make AFCON 2027 the best in history.
Wallace Karia, TFF President
I thank the Government of Uganda for hosting this meeting and for supporting AFCON 2027. I also thank the Confederation of African Football for its support, which has made this possible.
We will not let you down. We will take guidance seriously and move with urgency. We must complete all key tasks before the end of December so that the remaining period is for final preparations.
Samson Adamu, General Secretary, Confederation of African Football
AFCON is a great opportunity for the region to demonstrate its capability and unity. AFCON in Morocco generated 1.8 billion dollars in direct investment and value, and this shows the potential impact.
CHAN was a valuable lesson, but AFCON is a completely different tournament with greater scale, expectations and requirements. We must adopt a new mindset and avoid comparisons.
We are about one year away, and time is limited. What could wait before cannot wait now. Every moment matters.
From this meeting, roles and responsibilities must be clear, and milestones well defined. Strong structures and government support are essential.
The President of the Confederation of African Football and the organisation believe in this project. We succeed together and face challenges together. We must work closely, speak honestly and focus on delivering a strong outcome.
This is a major opportunity for all of us. We cannot fail. I will not allow us to fail.