Rabat, Morocco — East African heads of state Yoweri Museveni (Uganda), William Ruto (Kenya), and Samia Suluhu Hassan (Tanzania) have been awarded the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award for their exceptional contribution to the development of football in Africa.
The honour was presented during the CAF Awards 2025 held on Wednesday in Rabat, Morocco, where the continent celebrated its top footballers, coaches, officials, and key contributors to the game.
Recognition for Joint Regional Impact
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe applauded the three leaders for their “visionary support that elevated East Africa’s football profile globally.”
He said the recognition was earned through their unprecedented collaboration in hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) across the three countries under the Pamoja arrangement. “Their commitment to cooperation, infrastructure development, and regional unity has set a benchmark for future continental tournaments,” Motsepe said.
The CAF chief added that the trio’s leadership has laid strong foundations for the region’s upcoming joint hosting of the AFCON 2027, another historic first for East Africa.
Uganda Praised for Infrastructural Growth
In a statement, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) said President Museveni’s award highlights “his dedication to Ugandan and African football, infrastructural development, and inspiring a new generation of players and fans.”
FUFA noted that the President has supported stadium upgrades, regional football competitions, and youth development programs that contributed to Uganda’s readiness for major continental tournaments.
Kenya and Tanzania Commended
Kenya’s Ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya, received the award on behalf of President Ruto. She said the honour reflects Kenya’s commitment to using sports as a tool for regional integration and youth empowerment.
Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu was also celebrated for her government’s investment in modern football facilities and community-driven sports programs.
A Milestone for East African Football
The joint CHAN 2024—held across Kampala, Nairobi, and Dar es Salaam—was widely regarded as one of the best-organised editions in the tournament’s history. The success strengthened the East African bid for AFCON 2027 and signalled the region’s growing influence in African football.
CAF said the award is meant to motivate African leaders to continue investing in football as a unifying force and economic opportunity.
CAF Awards 2025: Full List of Winners
- Player of the Year (Men): Achraf Hakimi
- Player of the Year (Women): Ghizlane Chebbak
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Women): Chiamaka Nnadozie
- Youth Player of the Year (Men): Othmane Maamma
- Women’s Youth Player of the Year: Doha El Madani
- Interclub Player of the Year: Ibrahim Mayele
- Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Shamirah Nabbadda
- Coach of the Year (Men): Bubista
- Club of the Year (Men): Pyramids FC
- Team of the Year (Men): Morocco U-20
- Team of the Year (Women): Nigeria Women’s National Team
- Goal of the Year: Clement Mizize
- Referee of the Year (Men): Omar Abdulkadir Artan
- Referee of the Year (Women): Liban Abdulrazack
- CAF Assistant Referee of the Year (Women): Tabara Moodji
- CAF Assistant Referee of the Year (Men): Liban Abdulrazack