OPINION: What Uganda should learn from Tanzania to reclaim the football powerhouse tag in East Africa

Uganda’s quest for another AFCON appearance was thwarted by Tanzania, despite their 2-0 victory over Niger. The Taifa Stars secured their third African Nations showpiece appearance with a draw against Algeria.

Historically, Uganda dominated the CECAFA region, clinching the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup (now the CECAFA U-23 Cup) a remarkable 40 times since its inception as the Gossage Cup in 1926, later renamed the CECAFA Cup in 1966.

However, over the past decade, Tanzania has emerged as a football powerhouse in East Africa, both at the national and club levels. So, what can Uganda learn from Tanzania’s success?

Tanzania’s government-backed efforts have led to the establishment of stadiums nationwide.

This has allowed top-flight clubs to build robust fan bases nationwide. Clubs like Azam FC, Singida Big Stars, Kagera Sugar, and others host matches throughout Tanzania.

The Benjamin Mkapa stadium is home to the Taifa Stars and the region’s two biggest clubs, Simba and Young Africans.

The Tanzanian Football League is the most financially supported in East Africa and ranks sixth on the continent, according to the IFFHS.

In the 2021/22 season, leading Tanzanian pay TV outlet Azam TV signed a 10-year broadcast deal with the Tanzania Premier League worth Tshs225.6b (about UGX 346b), with each club receiving up to Tshs500m (about GUX739m).

In 2023, a sponsorship deal with the National Bank of Commerce further enhanced financial support for the league and its clubs.

These two clubs have harnessed the league’s financial strength to attract talent from across Africa, including Ugandan players.

Simba and Young Africans are now among the biggest clubs in Africa and have competed successfully in continental competitions.

The Kariakoo Derby between them is a regional football spectacle.

In light of Tanzania’s success, Uganda should take notes if it aims to reclaim its position as the top footballing nation in East Africa.

Notably, Rwanda and South Sudan are also emerging as formidable contenders.