The CAF flag for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations was ceremonially handed over after the final of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, marking the symbolic transition to the PAMOJA host nations of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Present during the ceremony were the President of the Tanzania Football Federation Wallace Karia and the President of the Football Kenya Federation Mohammed Hussein, representing the PAMOJA countries alongside FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.
Also present were senior government officials including Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports Hon. Paul Makonda and Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Sports Elijah Mwangi. Uganda was represented by the State Minister for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang.
In a personal statement reflecting on the significance of the moment, FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim shared his emotions following the ceremony in Rabat.
‘In the wee hours of the morning of 19th January 2026, in the chilly weather of Rabat, I kept turning in my bed accepting that despite achieving historic milestones as the Federation President, none compares to this moment.’
He outlined several milestones achieved during his tenure, including returning the Uganda Cranes to the Africa Cup of Nations after 40 years and now qualifying four times in ten years, as well as guiding the Crested Cranes back to the Africa Women Cup of Nations after 22 years.
He highlighted the construction of a FUFA-owned stadium capable of hosting CAF Category Four international matches and the establishment of a satellite television channel and FM radio station owned by the Federation, which now produces and airs the Uganda Premier League when no media house was willing to invest.
He further referenced the qualification of various national teams to continental finals on twenty occasions, including taking the U20 national team to two continental finals, and leading the U17 national team to stellar performances at Uganda’s first ever FIFA World Cup.
He also cited hosting the first continental football competition in Uganda through CHAN, personally legislating for direct government funding of national teams, and sponsoring a Private Member’s Bill that led to the enactment of the 2023 National Sports Act.
Hon. Magogo noted the role FUFA played in driving government investment in stadium infrastructure, including renovations and construction at Namboole, Hoima and Akii Bua, supported by more than twelve training facilities, with FUFA donating twenty four acres of land towards the Hoima Stadium project.
He added that the introduction of medical insurance for players and referees in the top men and women leagues, as well as the stabilisation of FUFA governance structures that neutralised football conflicts, were key achievements during his leadership.
‘None of the above makes me as emotional as realising the dream of bringing AFCON to Uganda in my lifetime.’
He concluded with a message of welcome and unity ahead of the 2027 tournament.
‘Welcome the world. Welcome Africa to East Africa in general and to our motherland Uganda in particular.’
‘Karibuni Africa Mashariki.’
‘Pamoja ni uwezo.’
‘Allah Akbar.’
