By Nabakiibi Doreen Malaika
Football stakeholders have called for increased investment, stronger governance and better talent development as Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania prepare to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The call was made at the Football Governance and Business Summit, which brought together sports administrators, athletes, referees and other stakeholders to discuss the future of football in the region.
Milton Chebet, Assistant General Secretary at the National Council of Sports, said government is ready to support sports clubs and give greater attention to talent development.
Chebet said stronger investment in clubs would help identify and nurture young players while creating more opportunities for young people through sport.
He also said the growth of the sports sector could make a wider contribution to the economy if clubs and talent development structures are properly supported.
Business leader and sports advocate Dr Maggie Kigozi urged athletes to plan for their financial future while they are still active in sport.
She advised sportsmen and women to save and invest part of their earnings and prepare for life after their playing careers.
Kigozi said athletes should make deliberate financial decisions during their most productive years to ensure they are better prepared for retirement from competitive sport.
Kenyan football administrator and former Harambee Starlets player Terry Ouko addressed the challenges faced by women who step away from sport to have children.
Ouko said pregnancy should not be viewed as the end of a woman’s sporting career.
She said female athletes should take their maternity leave, look after their health and families, and return to sport when ready.
Ouko also called on women to remain confident and focused, saying they can return to competition or take up other roles within football after maternity leave.
Adipo Constancy Catherine Ajuli, the first woman referee in Central and East Africa, a qualified coach and lecturer at Makerere University, called on young women to remain determined and take education seriously.
She said there are growing opportunities for women across football, including refereeing, coaching, administration, education and sports management.
Adipo said young women should acquire qualifications, develop their skills and position themselves for the different careers available within the sports industry.
The discussions come as Uganda steps up preparations to co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Stakeholders said hosting the tournament could support the development of football beyond the competition itself, including through club development, investment, jobs and the growth of the sports business sector.
They also called for stronger institutions and better management of the game as preparations for the tournament continue.
