The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, officially launched the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and seven specialized subcommittees for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, set to be hosted by Uganda.
At the ceremony, Museveni highlighted the significance of the event, emphasizing that AFCON 2027 would be the first of its kind for Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania since the tournament’s inception in 1957. She stressed the importance of unity and collective responsibility among the committee members to ensure the tournament’s success and to create a lasting legacy for Uganda.
The LOC, chaired by Museveni and co-chaired by State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, includes notable figures such as FUFA President Moses Magogo, National Planning Authority Executive Director Dr. Joseph Muvawala, and other key officials from various sectors.
The seven subcommittees are tasked with overseeing critical areas:
- Government Services: Chaired by Brighton Barugahare
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Led by Ambrose Tashobya
- Sporting: Headed by Justus Mugisha
- Competition Organizing: Managed by Kalema Ronnie
- Finance and Resource Mobilization: Directed by Dr. Ogwel Bernard Patrick
- Protocol and Hospitality: Supervised by Rogers Byamukama
- Marketing and Communication: Run by Dr. Mugimba Dennis
Museveni urged the committees to prioritize transparency, ethical conduct, and accountability in managing public resources, warning against financial impropriety. She also noted the committees’ role in organizing the upcoming CHAN tournament in September 2024.
Expressing her gratitude, Museveni praised the members’ dedication and commitment, looking forward to a successful collaboration to host AFCON 2027. Minister Ogwang echoed her sentiments, acknowledging Museveni’s leadership and efforts that secured Uganda’s hosting rights for the tournament.
The regional Inter-Ministerial Committee from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania will provide guidance and advisory support to the LOC to ensure a smooth and effective planning process.
As the committees embark on their tasks, the First Lady remains confident that their combined efforts will deliver an exceptional football experience for Africa and the world.