By Frank Kamuntu
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has welcomed the joint EAC bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027 saying this will boost the region’s economic fortunes.
The East African nations of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are jointly seeking the opportunity to host the 2027 edition of AFCON even as the only stadium in the region that can host continental matches is Tanzania’s National Stadium in the capital Dar es Salaam.
Museveni is nonetheless excited about the region’s interest in co-hosting the continental showcase for the first time in history in light of the financial windfall that will come with achieving the feat.
“I have received Uganda’s AFCON 2027 joint bid with Kenya and Tanzania (EAC Pamoja bid). Sports is good for health, entertainment and now, more so business,” Museveni said.
“Therefore, for East Africa to come together to invite the African Cup of Nations here is very good. It will promote our countries and tourism will also increase,” he added.
On there other hand, Museveni’s son [politically] President William Ruto on May 15 received Kenya’s joint bid to host the 2027 Afcon where he underscored Kenya’s commitment to the initiative.
He mandated Sports CS Ababu Namwamba to engage his counterparts from Tanzania and Uganda to ensure the region wins the bid to host the biggest football competition on the continent.
“We hope that our joint bid will motivate all our sides not only to qualify for the 2027 tournament but also excel beyond previous achievements,” Ruto said.
The President’s optimism came even as Kenya’s biggest stadiums; Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani and Nyayo are still serving a ban by Confederation of African Football (Caf) from hosting international matches.
CAF has set May 23 as the deadline for member associations to submit their final bids.
Ruto said EAC would submit their bids by May 17.
Other than the three EAC countries, Botswana, Egypt and Algeria have also submitted their bids to host the 2027 AFCON.
