Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has stated that he will only support Morocco’s bid to host the upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament if it does not affect the interests of East African nations.
Museveni revealed on Monday, December 5, that representatives from Morocco paid him a courtesy call requesting Uganda to support their bid.
“I received a message from His Highness, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, seeking support in their bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
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“Being the first country to approach us, I will support them on condition that it doesn’t collide with the interests of the East African states,” read a statement from Museveni.
Guinea had been awarded the rights to host the continental showpiece but withdrew due to the challenges of constructing the required facilities.
As a result, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was forced to look for another host for the tournament.
According to CAF, the deadline for interested countries to submit their ultimate bids (host cities agreement, hosting agreement, government guarantees) is on Friday, December 16.
After the review process, the African football governing body will announce the host of the 2025 AFCON edition on Friday, February 10, 2023.
Recently, there were reports that East African nations including Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Tanzania will bid to host the 2027 AFCON tournament.
Moses Kuria, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Trade, confirmed the intentions on his social media platforms announcing that eight East African countries will submit a joint bid.
"Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Ethiopia & South Sudan will jointly bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
"Tonight we received valuable tips from the UK High Commissioner on the sidelines of the England-Wales World Cup match," Kuria indicated.
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