By Spy Uganda
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe has expressed his commitment to helping the Ugandan football scale to greater heights. This was during his two-day visit to Uganda.
Mr. Motsepe arrived in the country on Thursday evening, meeting the FUFA Executive Committee and the Fourth Estate before concluding his visit on Friday when he had engagements with the President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among.
He made visits to the Parliament of Uganda and State, House (Nakasero) in the company of FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim and his Executive Committee plus CECAFA President, Wallace Karia.
CAF President put emphasis on helping in the development of the game in Uganda bearing in mind FUFA’s vision of being, ‘ the number one footballing nation in Africa on and off the pitch.’
“I am here to make a humble contribution to football development in this country and also have discussions with some of our people in the private sector to emphasize their role towards the game.” He said.
While meeting the Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Motsepe hinted about the idea of Uganda to co-host the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations with Tanzania, indicating it would be a good move for the two countries.
“I was told yesterday that Uganda and Tanzania are keen to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in these two beautiful countries. As the President of CAF, I have to support all the 54 Member Associations equally and must say that I would personally not only just welcome but encourage a joint hosting bid between these two countries because it will make a huge contribution to football development in Uganda and Tanzania. This region (CECAFA) has not hosted the Africa Cup of Nations before and it would be a good move for both Uganda and Tanzania not only in promoting football development but also in other areas like tourism, investment and trade.” Motsepe added.
The Speaker of Parliament of Uganda indicated Government is serious on hosting the coveted tournament and the will is evident.
“We have had discussions with the President of the Republic of Uganda, we are ready and willing to co-host Africa Cup of Nations 2027 with Tanzania. We have got clearance from our President, and we will be able to do that.” She confirmed.
In his remarks, President Museveni stated that Government is committed to supporting football and sports in this country.
President of Uganda, H.E Yoweri Kaguta Museveni juggled the ball after meeting CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
“I thank Mr. Motsepe for his dedication to African football. To FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, we have not really supported sports as much as we would have wanted except for providing peace. We are going to improve and it will be very serious support.” Said the President.
Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) President, Wallace Karia who also doubles as the CECAFA President indicated it will be a good move to have AFCON hosted in the region.
“I am delighted to be here as CAF President makes his visit to one of the countries in this region. We share very many things in common and I can confirm both Uganda and Tanzania have the will to host AFCON 2027. I will take the message back home to make sure this dream becomes a reality,” noted Karia.
Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Hamson Obua, National Council of Sports(NCS) Chairman, Ambrose Tashobya and Secretary General, Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel also attended the meeting at State House Nakasero.
