THE Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) has officially announced that its president, Wallace Karia, will be the sole candidate from the region for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee elections scheduled for March 2025.

This development follows the withdrawal of Moses Magogo, the president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), who stepped aside in a gesture of unity and support for Karia’s candidacy. 

A statement issued by CECAFA confirmed Karia’s unopposed bid for the position, emphasizing the region’s collective decision to back the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) president (pictured).

CECAFA has also declared its support for Souleiman Hassan Waberi, president of the Djibouti Football Federation, in his bid for a seat on the FIFA Council. 

The council represents football’s global governing body and plays a critical role in shaping the sport worldwide.

“Members of the Council of East and Central African Football Associations (CECAFA) have agreed to support Souleiman Hassan Waberi for the FIFA Council position in the upcoming elections,” the CECAFA statement read.

The decision to back both Karia and Waberi was made during the CECAFA Ordinary General Assembly held on January 22, 2025, at the Imperial Plaza Hotel in Juba, South Sudan. 

The assembly brought together regional football leaders to deliberate on key issues and align their strategies ahead of the CAF and FIFA elections.

In a show of solidarity, CECAFA praised Magogo’s decision to step down from the CAF executive committee race, describing it as a “brotherly spirit” move that prioritizes regional unity over individual aspirations. 

“At the Assembly, the President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), Hassim Moses Magogo, announced that he will not continue his bid for the position of CAF Executive Committee Delegate and will leave the position to the President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Karia,” CECAFA’s statement added.

If elected, Karia will become the second Tanzanian to serve on the CAF executive committee, following in the footsteps of Leodegar Tenga, who previously held the position. 

Karia’s candidacy represents a significant milestone for Tanzania and CECAFA, as the region seeks greater representation and influence within African football’s top decision-making body.

Meanwhile, CECAFA’s endorsement of Waberi highlights the region’s ambition to have a stronger presence on the global stage. 

Waberi, who has been at the helm of Djiboutian football since 2012, has been recognized for his efforts to develop the game in his country and beyond. CECAFA expressed confidence in his leadership and ability to contribute to FIFA’s global agenda.

“The FIFA Council, the entire region, has decided to support Waberi, who is also the President of the Djibouti Football Federation,” the statement continued.

The upcoming CAF and FIFA elections will be closely watched as they shape the future of football governance in Africa and the world. 

CECAFA’s united front reflects its determination to enhance its influence and ensure the region’s voice is heard in key decision-making processes.

Karia’s candidacy and Waberi’s bid signify CECAFA’s strategic push to position East and Central Africa as a significant player in football politics. 

Both leaders have expressed their commitment to advancing football development in the region and beyond, making their potential election a pivotal moment for CECAFA’s ambitions.

With Karia poised to secure his place on the CAF executive committee and Waberi vying for a seat on the FIFA Council, CECAFA is set to make its mark on both the continental and global football stages. 

The elections will take place in March 2025, and the region will be hoping for a successful outcome that solidifies its influence in the sport.