Overview:
Uganda’s involvement in the programme has significantly enhanced its readiness, reinforcing its position as a dedicated and capable co host of AFCON Pamoja 2027 anchored in preparation, collaboration, and excellence.
Uganda, together with the other East African partners (Kenya and Tanzania) has taken another decisive stride in preparations for AFCON Pamoja 2027 after participating in the CAF AFCON observer and benchmarking programme in Morocco.
The exercise represents a key step in building the technical and operational capacity required to host a seamless, world class continental football showpiece.
The Ugandan delegation was led by Ronnie Kalema, the chairperson of the AFCON LOC Events sub-committee, alongside Decolas Kiiza, operations manager of AFCON LOC Secretariat, and Nsereko Hamza Kawuma Afriqana, a media attaché at the secretariat.
Working alongside delegations from Kenya and Tanzania, the Ugandan team engaged in a structured learning process centered on modern tournament organization standards.
While the regional presence reflected East Africa’s shared hosting ambition, Uganda’s focus remained on strengthening systems, refining strategy and securing a lasting tournament legacy beyond 2027.
The delegation was embedded within key operational units, gaining first hand exposure to pre match preparations such as stadium readiness, command and control mechanisms, accreditation processes and cross department coordination critical components for managing a complex, multi venue event like AFCON Pamoja 2027.
“It is work in progress and have learnt a great deal from Morocco ranging from the stadia, security, cars. Morocco has done the best and also on scrutiny as they prepare for the 2030 FIFA World Cup” Ronnie Kalema, chairman AFCON LOC Events Sub-Committee.
Live matchday operations offered practical, high intensity learning moments.
The team observed crowd control protocols, integrated security arrangements, broadcast scheduling and real time decision making underscoring the value of proactive planning defined responsibilities and clear communication channels.
Further insights were gained through institutional visits to security coordination hubs and football administrative offices.
These engagements emphasized the role of strong multi agency collaboration and streamlined information sharing in delivering major tournaments especially those spread across several cities and countries.
Fan engagement and media management were also key learning areas.
There were visits to different fan parks and media centers which demonstrated how elite football competitions transcend the pitch evolving into cultural, social and commercial experiences that elevate supporter participation and tournament visibility.
The detailed stadium inspections provided additional understanding of operational infrastructure including media operations rooms, international broadcast setups, staffing structures, workflow organization and contingency planning in line with global best practices.
“Morocco has organized very well and as we prepare for AFCON 2027 in East Africa, we have definitely borrowed a leaf” Decolas Kiiza, AFCON Local Organizing Committee (LOC) secretariat operations manager.
The benchmarking mission concluded with a comprehensive review session focused on converting lessons learned into practical action points.
Uganda’s involvement in the programme has significantly enhanced its readiness, reinforcing its position as a dedicated and capable co-host of AFCON Pamoja 2027 anchored in preparation, collaboration, and excellence.
