President Museveni Launches Joint Bid to Host AFCON

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni together with the First Lady Mama Janet Kataha Museveni and the Minister of Education and Sports, inaugurated Uganda’s joint bid to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament at State House, Entebbe.

During the event, President Museveni highlighted the significance of sports as a growing sector while cautioning against neglecting other income-generating activities.

Acknowledging the positive impact of sports, President Museveni emphasized the need to integrate it with traditional sources of income such as agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality. He commended the idea of hosting AFCON in 2027 but emphasized that youth should not be solely focused on sports to the detriment of other opportunities.

In addition to promoting physical well-being, the President emphasized the entertainment value of sports for both participants and spectators, highlighting its superiority over engaging in negative behaviors. President Museveni further praised the joint bid by East African countries to host AFCON, recognizing its potential to showcase the region and boost tourism.

First Lady Mama Janet echoed the sentiment that sports foster patriotism and nationalism, cultivating a sense of love for one’s country. She emphasized that the desire to succeed in sports encourages positive thinking and strengthens bonds among East African nations.

Hon. Peter Ogwang, the State Minister for Education and Sports, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for launching the bid and acknowledged his commitment to promoting sports in Uganda.

The launch of Uganda’s bid to host AFCON signifies the country’s aspirations to become a prominent sports destination while recognizing the importance of diversifying its economy beyond sports alone.