City Attorney Male Mabirizi has expressed disapproval of Uganda hosting the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be coordinated by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Mabirizi claims in a letter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that Uganda is unable to host the AFCON for a number of reasons, including the breakdown of democracy.

“I have written to CAF objecting to Uganda’s Hosting of the 2027 AFCON based on eight broad reasons, including the collapse of democracy, rule of law, corruption, sectarianism, nepotism, and lack of democracy in the Federation of Uganda,” Mabirizi stated.

The lawyer says that FUFA lacks legitimate leadership and alleges that Mandela National Stadium was developed at the expense of people’s homes and property who have not been compensated till date.

Mabirizi states that CAF should not dupe the world that Uganda is a safe place to hold the AFCON but should stand with Ugandans to expose the country’s weaknesses. He added that the safety and rights of the participants and visitors to Uganda may be compromised during the AFCON 2027.

“I therefore request that you reverse the decision so Uganda is excluded from organizing the 2027 African Cup of Nations. As a federation, you are required to stand with Ugandans during this dictatorship and despotic turmoil,” he added.

He claims that the President of Uganda, Yoweri K. Museveni, is autocratic and has suffocated numerous rights, which include fair hearing, assembly, and freedom of speech, among others, which is why Uganda is unable to host AFCON.

AFCON is an international men’s association football competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football and was first held in 1957. On September 27, 2023, CAF announced that Uganda, together with Kenya and Tanzania, will host the 2027 African Cup of Nations.