Football, it has been said, is a beautiful game. Perhaps because of its beautiful simplicity, it enjoys global appeal, bringing millions of dollars into the pockets of global superstars, clubs, and even countries.
The Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) although not as big as the European Championships or South America’s Copa America is one of the most exciting continental championships. To bid for and host this prestigious biennial tournament, first played in 1957, is something that only 20 countries across our continent have had the pleasure of hosting. On September 27, 2023, Uganda’s joint bid with the United Republic Of Tanzania and Kenya - PAMOJA was accepted by the Confederation of African Football Associations better known by its French acronym Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF). This will be the first time that AFCON is hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Indeed, it is the first time that this tournament is hosted in East Africa since the 1976 edition in Ethiopia. This, indeed speaks to CAF’s president Patrice Motsepe’s refusal “to assign the organisation of the CAN successively to the same region.” It also speaks to his desire to promote “the development of infrastructure and stadiums (and) be a source of enthusiasm among young people.” Indeed, while receiving and endorsing our joint PAMOJA bid from the Ministry of Education and Sports and FUFA at State House Entebbe in May, President Museveni correctly stated: “Sports is good for health, entertainment and now, more so business.” In our view, and regardless of the reckless social media memes now currently mocking Uganda as host, the success of this bid is further proof that the East African Community is a fundamental change in the politics and therefore social cohesion among all East Africans. As President Museveni has said, the PAMOJA bid “will promote our countries and positively impact our economies, especially the tourism sector.” For the Uganda Cranes, it presents yet another opportunity for us to try to surpass the heights of our 1978 team.
At Ushindi, we join H.E. Yoweri Museveni and say: “Mungu abarike East Africa, Mungu abarike Africa na watu wake.” (God bless East Africa, God bless Africa and its people.)
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