FUFA 2nd Vice President Dr. Azah Taibu has emphasised the need for Uganda to maximise the wider development opportunities that come with hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), noting that the tournament’s success must be measured beyond the football played on the pitch.
Speaking at the official launch of the Sports for National Development Consortium under the theme ‘Sports for National Development: Positioning AFCON 2027 as a Catalyst for Uganda’s Economic Transformation and Lasting Legacy’, Dr. Azah said major sporting events should leave behind measurable economic, social and institutional benefits.
She noted that while the quality of the tournament, stadiums, fan experience and sporting moments remain important, the true value of hosting AFCON will be determined by the impact that continues long after the final whistle.
‘Countries can benefit from these events by measuring the success that remains after the final whistle,’ Dr Azah said.
Dr. Azah highlighted Uganda’s readiness to host a successful tournament, crediting the leadership and commitment of government and key stakeholders in preparing for the continental showpiece.
‘Can Uganda host the African Cup of Nations? Of course we can. With the leadership of the Minister of Sports and the Minister of Education, Uganda is in a position to have the best tournament ever,’ She stated.
However, she challenged stakeholders to focus on how AFCON 2027 can contribute to Uganda’s broader development agenda by creating jobs, attracting investment, strengthening tourism, improving cities and generating evidence that can inform future public policies.
‘For the first time in more than 50 years, East Africa will be hosting Africa. We expect Africa here. Beyond Africa, we expect billions of audiences on television, watching what is happening on and off the pitch,’ she said.
Dr. Azah explained that hosting a successful tournament alone does not automatically translate into lasting development, stressing that the benefits must be deliberately planned, measured and coordinated.
‘This is precisely why the Sports for National Development Consortium was established. We want AFCON to become more than just a football tournament and ensure that at the end of the final whistle, we understand the benefits that have come to this country,’ she added.
The consortium brings together government, development partners, the private sector, technology partners and sports institutions to maximise and measure the economic, social and institutional dividends of hosting AFCON before, during and after the tournament.
Dr. Azah clarified that the initiative complements the work of the Local Organising Committee, which remains responsible for delivering a successful tournament.
‘While they concentrate on delivering a highly exciting and rich tournament, the consortium ensures that Uganda captures the full development dividends through evidence generation, strategic partnerships, investment intelligence and a long-term legacy,’ she explained.
She said the initiative aligns with Uganda’s national development priorities by creating a platform through which sport can contribute directly to economic transformation, evidence-based policymaking and sustainable development.
Dr. Azah called upon government agencies, private sector players, researchers, media and all sports stakeholders to support the initiative and take advantage of the opportunities presented by AFCON 2027.
She described the tournament as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Uganda to demonstrate how sport can serve as a tool for national progress.
‘When history reflects on AFCON 2027, it should remember not only the football that was played, but also how Uganda transformed sporting events into platforms for economic growth, stronger institutions, better public policy and sustainable development,’ Dr. Azah concluded.
