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Gerald 'Blacks' Siranda, a Ugandan MP, moved a motion in the Assembly to endorse the EA Pamoja Bid to host the 2027 AFCON.
The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has shown its unwavering support for a joint bid by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in 2027.
The decision was made during the ongoing EALA meeting held in Arusha, where it was highlighted that hosting the biennial tournament would not only be a boon for sports but also a significant boost to the region's economy.
Gerald 'Blacks' Siranda, a Ugandan MP, moved a motion in the Assembly to endorse the EA Pamoja Bid to host the 2027 AFCON.
Siranda highlighted the anticipated benefits for the region's hospitality, diplomatic, and business sectors, as matches would be played in major cities.
Siranda emphasized that hosting Afcon would provide a platform to showcase East Africa's abundant natural resources, cultural heritage, hospitality, tourism potential, and investment opportunities.
"Here is a platform to showcase EA’s abundant natural resources and cultural, hospitality, tourism and investment potentials," he pointed out.
"It will be an economic stimulus that will generate the needed revenues. Infrastructure facilities like the stadiums will be upgraded. All these will enhance tourism," he explained.
Tanzania's match venues would include Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, while Kenya has selected Nairobi and Eldoret.
In Uganda, matches would take place in Kampala, Lira, and Hoima, near the oil fields on Lake Albert's shores.
Shogo Mlozi-Sedoyeka, an Eala Member of Parliament from Tanzania, expressed optimism about the bid's success, citing numerous advantages for the region.
Sedoyeka emphasized that Afcon has the potential to attract investors from outside the region, thereby creating employment opportunities and promoting sports tourism.
She stated, "Football is not only a game but another window for investment and an industry that can spur economic development."
The joint bid by Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya has already received unconditional support from the presidents of the three founding members of the East African Community (EAC).
However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to announce its decision regarding the host country for Afcon 2027, which is expected to come in August.
Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda have never hosted AFCON, and are hoping that their bid for the 2027 tournament will be successful.
With regards to the facilities included in the bid, Kenya included the iconic, 60,000-seater Moi International Sports Centre (MISC), 30,000-seater Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi and Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.
Uganda is said to have presented the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole as a possible venue, though it is unclear what the other potential venues and training grounds have been included.
Tanzania meanwhile has inked the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium – the only CAF certified stadium within the three stadiums.
The CCM Kirumba Stadium in Mwanza, Chamazi Complex - home to Azam FC, and some venues in Dodoma, Arusha and Zanzibar are the other options Tanzania will look to touch up or invest in to meet standards.
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