Immanuel Ben Misagga
One of the things I dread about Uganda’s co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is hearing an announcement by President Museveni that fans can enter stadiums for free.
On paper, this sounds well-intended and shows how much the president cares for football lovers.
With hindsight, however, such a statement would mock the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the tournament.
We knew as far back as 2024 that Uganda, alongside Kenya and Tanzania, would be hosting the tournament. President Museveni set aside billions of shillings to ensure that all the necessary infrastructure is in place. That led to the construction of the Hoima Stadium. All that is now required of the organisers is to drum up interest and patriotism to ensure Uganda passes the test with flying colours.
Unfortunately, with barely 12 months left, there is little to show in terms of passion, awareness, or excitement for the tournament.
Honestly, I do not believe the organisers have made significant mistakes in promoting the event, but they should draw inspiration from successful practical examples.
That is why I introduce Hellen Seku and her patriotism movement, which I believe could be crucial in ensuring Uganda delivers a memorable tournament.
For starters, Seku is the commissioner of the National Secretariat for Patriotism Corps (NSPC), a government body tasked with promoting national unity and ideological orientation.
Her team has traversed all corners of the country to mobilise millions of Ugandans to develop a sense of belonging to the country. So, for Afcon organisers still pondering how to guarantee full stadiums and vibrant match-day atmospheres, this should be a wake-up call.
Seku has built a nationwide network of citizens trained in discipline, national pride, and civic responsibility. Since her appointment, the NSPC has passed out tens of thousands of students through structured patriotism programs. The movement reaches into schools, universities, and communities across all districts, with monitoring teams assessing progress in both public and private institutions.
Afcon organisers have a lot to learn from these initiatives.
For instance, what makes Seku’s approach work is its grassroots infrastructure. The NSPC does not merely give speeches; it builds systems. In Busoga alone, five monitoring teams recently assessed 131 schools and institutions. In Mbale, the secretariat passed out 1,250 students in a single ceremony. This is not theoretical organising; this is boots-on-the-ground capacity that tournament organisers dream about.
When Seku speaks of patriotism, she describes an ecosystem of civic engagement that can be redirected toward any national objective.
However, it is worth noting that Seku’s crusade lacks a strong follow-up mechanism and that the public needs constant updates. But that can only be achieved through a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
So, for Afcon organisers, that means turning 600,000 trained patriots into 600,000 supporters, volunteer ambassadors, crowd managers, and cheerleaders.
And this task goes beyond just filling seats. A successful Afcon tournament requires more than bodies in stadiums. It requires a population that understands its role as hosts. I mean people who will warmly welcome visitors, maintain order, and project the best of Uganda to the continent. This is precisely what Seku’s patriotism training instills.
NSPC programs emphasize discipline, respect for public property, and national consciousness. The public is taught to reject violence, avoid destructive behaviour, and embrace responsibility.
Take a minute and imagine how thousands of Seku-trained and empowered volunteers, driven by genuine love for their country, can help lost visiting fans find their hotels, direct traffic, and ensure visitors leave with nothing but positive memories.
In all this, the lesson for Afcon organisers is simple: stop trying to build from scratch. Seku has already constructed the mobilisation architecture. Partner with her, and you gain access to a nationwide network of trained patriots ready to serve as volunteer ambassadors.
The question is not whether the stadiums will be ready, as Caf is demanding; it is whether the nation will be ready to host. To me, the answer, with Seku’s patriotism movement as a partner, is a resounding yes.
The patriots are trained, the network is in place, and the spirit is willing. All that remains is for organisers to recognise the asset they already have and put this quiet army to work mobilising fans and welcoming the continent home.
Writer is Emeritus President, SC Villa and Nyamityobora FC
