Political and football leaders from East Africa have expressed strong unity and determination to deliver a successful 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
This comes as preparations by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania enter a key stage as ahead of AFCON 2027 set to be hosted by the three countries under 'PAMOJA'
The leaders expressed their commitment on Wednesday as a high-level CAF workshop kicked off in Kampala, at Mestil Hotel.
The meeting has broytogether ministers, federation presidents and CAF officials to review progress and align expectations for the continental tournament set to be hosted jointly by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
FUFA President Moses Magogo said the region now has both opportunity and responsibility after years of watching AFCON hosted elsewhere on the continent.
‘First of all, welcome everybody to Uganda. Uganda is home and you are always welcome back.’
He said East Africa’s challenge in the past was not capability but lack of opportunity, adding that CAF’s support now places the region on the continental stage.
‘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.’
Kenya’s FKF President Hussein Mohammed stressed that the success of the tournament depends on collective responsibility and long-term thinking.
"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," Mohammed said.
He warned that the legacy of the tournament will define the region’s reputation.
"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," he said.
Tanzania Football Federation president Wallace Karia called for urgency in implementation, urging stakeholders to meet set timelines.
"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," Karia said.
He added, "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."
CAF General Secretary Samson Adamu urged the hosts to adopt strict planning discipline, warning that AFCON requires higher standards than previous tournaments.
‘AFCON is a great opportunity for the region to demonstrate its capability and unity. 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.’
He stressed urgency and accountability as deadlines approach.
‘We are about one year away, and time is limited. What could wait before cannot wait now. Every moment matters.’
Adamu further called for clear coordination among all stakeholders.
"From this meeting, roles and responsibilities must be clear, and milestones well defined. Strong structures and government support are essential," he said.
He added, "This is a major opportunity for all of us. We cannot fail. I will not allow us to fail."