New CECAFA president Weldehaimanot focused on regional growth

Newly installed Council for East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) president Paulos Weldehaimanot officially assumed office on Tuesday at the CECAFA Secretariat Headquarters, where he was warmly received by FKF President Hussein Mohamed.

Flanked by the federation’s Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde, Paulos outlined his bold vision for a more revitalized and impactful CECAFA. 

Paulos’ mission centers on strengthening institutional structures, enhancing strategic partnerships—particularly with the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports—and driving sustainable growth across the region.

Having earlier in the day met with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, he revealed established and ongoing engagements between CECAFA and the Ministry aimed at establishing a permanent CECAFA Headquarters in Nairobi. This is deemed to enhance CECAFA stability and regional influence.

He emphasized the need for more capacitated human resources to elevate the game, especially as the region—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—prepares to co-host Africa’s biggest football tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations.

In his remarks, Hussein Mohamed welcomed the new president with kind words, pledging full support and collaboration to ensure CECAFA achieves its strategic objectives.

The handover ceremony was attended by the CECAFA Vice-President and members of the CECAFA Secretariat, marking the beginning of a renewed chapter for regional football governance.