"PAMOJA Bid Victory": Inside Tayebwa’s UGX100B pledge, East Africa’s strategic moves for AFCON 2027

As East Africa, including Uganda, revels in the monumental achievement of securing the hosting rights to AFCON 2027 through the PAMOJA bid, the strategic manoeuvres and collaborations that underpinned this success come to light.

During a detailed segment on his Thursday night football show, ‘Tutegere Omupiira,’ FUFA President Moses Magogo recounted the inception and execution of this pivotal idea.

“I want to extend my appreciation to Mr. ‘Midi’; he initiated this venture. Initially, I was sceptical but, embracing challenges, I decided to pursue it,” shared Magogo,

“I engaged several EXCOM members like Ronnie Kalema and Rogers Mulindwa to spearhead this mission,” he added.

Subsequently, a specialized secretariat, led by Decolas Kizza and Sumaya Kiwanuka, was established to ensure all prerequisites were met, after declining a proposal from a consultancy firm demanding USD 1M to orchestrate a winning bid.

The Budiope East’s representative unfolded the successive steps which involved conversations with pertinent authorities and Tanzania, revealing that the initial collaboration was between Uganda and Tanzania, with Kenya integrating once their FIFA ban had been revoked.

“We initiated dialogues with the first lady and the President who were receptive to the idea. We urged the president to liaise with his counterparts, Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), and William Ruto (Kenya), to solidify Uganda’s commitment,” Magogo explained.

The involvement of Kenya came subsequently, “Kenya expressed their interest, and we integrated their participation, informing them about CAF’s requirement of six stadiums.”

Drama in Cairo

In Cairo, the EA PAMOJA bid contended with Botswana, Senegal, and Nigeria. Each bidding country presented their case to the executive committee.

“I was the first to present our case. Having served on the CAF EXCOM, I wanted to address them assertively,” Magogo stated.

He presented a color-coded map depicting the countries/regions that have hosted AFCON, emphasizing Ethiopia as the lone East African nation to host AFCON in 1976.

“Since then, out of Africa’s 54 countries, only 18 have hosted AFCON, and I accentuated the need for geographical equality in hosting rights,” he expounded.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa assured that the Government was poised to deposit US 30m (Ugx 100b) to CAF, underlining the commitment and readiness of the hosting nations.

Kenya Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba highlighted that PAMOJA would introduce an East Africa tourist visa during the tournament, marking a first in both Africa and globally.

With eight airports across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, and the strategic geographic placement enabling swift connectivity within the three countries, the PAMOJA bid effectively showcased the logistical viability and preparedness of the East African nations.