FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim has provided an update on Uganda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the national teams’ engagements and new government support for the Uganda Cranes.
Uganda, together with Kenya and Tanzania, will host AFCON 2027 in June next year, with infrastructure development and preparations for the tournament already underway.
The FUFA President said the Federation’s responsibility is to keep the country informed about matters concerning the national teams, with FUFA continuing to provide the teams with opportunities to compete at the highest level.
‘Our strategy is to ensure that we give the national teams an opportunity to compete at the highest level. That’s why we get engaged in almost all competitions that are being held.’
He highlighted the busy schedule across the national teams, including the U-15, U-17, U-20, Sand Cranes, Crested Cranes and Uganda Cranes.
The U-15 national team is set to participate in the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan from 22nd to 31st October 2026. The team is expected to be selected largely from the FIFA Academy League and potentially the FIFA Juniors League as part of FUFA’s long-term pathway towards the U-17 national team.
‘The objective is again to prepare where the U-17 national team in the next years will be picked from.’
The Sand Cranes will also compete in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in Burundi from 18th to 20th October, while the Crested Cranes are expected to be summoned ahead of their Olympic qualification fixture against Zambia on 8 October.
The Federation is also preparing two U-17 teams for different assignments. One is already in camp ahead of the African qualifiers for the 2027 edition, while the other will begin preparations for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Meanwhile, the Uganda U-20 national team is in Tanzania and will face Sudan, with victory securing qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations U-20.
The FUFA President noted that the wide range of national team engagements reflects the Federation’s commitment to creating a pathway for players across the different age groups.
Government support for football
The FUFA President also thanked the Government of Uganda for its continued support towards football, noting progress in areas of funding, legislation and infrastructure.
He said Government funding has now been extended to clubs, while infrastructure development linked to AFCON 2027 is expected to leave Uganda with three international stadiums in Namboole, Hoima and Akii-Bua.
In addition, training facilities are being developed across the northern, Hoima and Namboole clusters.
FUFA is also engaging Government on the development of additional facilities across the country, including proposals covering Mbarara, Fort Portal, Jinja, Mbale and West Nile.
‘The objective is to ensure that we have a Uganda Premier League standard facility in each of the 18 provinces.’
The Federation is also working with Government on policies aimed at supporting the sports industry, with particular focus on professional football.
Uganda Cranes vs Tunisia and Libya
The senior national team, the Uganda Cranes, is currently in camp in Tunis ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tunisia.
The FUFA President explained that although Uganda is guaranteed a place at the tournament as a host nation, the Cranes will participate in the qualifiers in accordance with CAF regulations.
Uganda will then return home to face Libya in Hoima on 29th September 2026 at 7pm.
The match will be the first time a Uganda Cranes AFCON qualifier is played outside Kampala.
‘I want to call upon all Ugandans to be part of history. The game will be played at 7pm on the 29th of September in Hoima.’
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Improved support for Uganda Cranes
The FUFA President also announced a number of improvements in the welfare and logistical support for the senior national team following engagements with Government.
Under the new arrangements, Uganda Cranes players based outside the country travelling for more than four hours will travel business class.
A new team bus will also be provided for the Uganda Cranes, while chartered flights will be used for back-to-back fixtures where applicable.
The Federation has also secured improved bonuses and allowances for the senior national team.
The FUFA President confirmed that players who participated in Uganda’s qualification campaign for AFCON 2025 will receive a pro-rata qualification bonus of USD 10,000 each, following discussions with Government.
He also announced an agreement for the national team to stay in five-star hotels while camping in Uganda or abroad whenever possible, as part of efforts to improve the team’s standards.
‘This is to improve on the standards of the national team.’
FUFA steps up search for eligible Ugandan players abroad
The FUFA President also provided an update on the Federation’s ongoing efforts to identify Ugandan players born or based abroad who are eligible to represent Uganda.
He said FUFA officials, Government officials and the Uganda Cranes head coach have travelled to different countries to meet players, parents and agents as part of the process.
The players being identified include those who qualify through Ugandan descent or through the applicable eligibility regulations based on their family or place of birth.
The process, he explained, is lengthy, with different players expected to become available during the September, October, November and March international windows and beyond.
‘Work has been done and we’ve been doing this work for over a year. Work has been done and sooner than later we’ll start seeing some of these players.’
He appealed to the media and Ugandans to welcome the players as they join the national team.
‘Let us welcome them. Some of them have never been to Uganda. Some have been coming to Uganda without necessarily being part of football.’
The President noted that some of the players may also need time to adapt to Uganda and its culture, given that they have grown up outside the country.
AFCON 2027 an opportunity for Ugandan football
The FUFA President concluded by emphasising the wider opportunities presented by hosting AFCON 2027, describing the tournament as a moment that should be harnessed for the development of football and the wider sports industry.
‘AFCON is not going to leave Ugandan football the same.’
He pointed to growing commercial interest in the tournament and the potential for companies that engage with football through AFCON 2027 to remain involved beyond the competition.
He said the tournament, which will be watched across more than 185 countries, together with the infrastructure and Government support being put in place, presents an opportunity for football stakeholders and the business community.
‘So it’s our time. Let us harness as the game. Let us harness as business people of this country from this opportunity.’
The FUFA President said the Government’s commitment is further demonstrated by the financial resources being allocated towards the various initiatives, noting that up to UGX 32 billion in additional funding has been committed.
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