The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) is set for a historic transition of power as the region’s football leaders converge on the Djibouti Palace Kempinski for the Elective General Assembly on February 7th, 2026.
The announcement was confirmed earlier in the week by the CECAFA Interim Executive Director, Jean Sseninde, following successful consultations with the host federation, Federation Djibout Football. “We have agreed that the Elective Assembly, which will attract representatives from all 12 Member Associations, will take place in Djibouti. We have also released the provisional list of candidates for the different positions in accordance with the CECAFA Statutes,” Sseninde stated.
A High-Stakes Showdown will be who takes the top seat of the regional football governing body. Currently led by Acting President Alexandre Muyenge (Burundi), the top seat has attracted three heavyweights:
Eng. Magogo Moses Hassim (Uganda): The FUFA President and CAF Executive Member brings a wealth of administrative experience and a vision for commercializing regional football.
Alexandre Muyenge (Burundi): The incumbent Acting President seeking a full mandate to continue the reforms started during his interim tenure.
Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam (Eritrea), the ENFF boss who represents a strong voice for the Northern-most members of the zone.
While the elections will steal the spotlight, the Assembly has a packed agenda critical to the region’s footballing future.
Delegates will deliberate on and approve the 2026 CECAFA Budget, a roadmap that will determine the funding for youth, women, and senior competitions.
Crucially, the assembly will adopt the 2026 CECAFA Competitions Calendar. With the 2027 AFCON (Pamoja Bid) on the horizon, the synchronization of regional tournaments like the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup and Kagame Cup is seen as a vital preparation tool for member nations.
A New Era Under Sseninde’s Stewardship
This will be the first major elective assembly overseen by Jean Sseninde since her appointment as Interim Executive Director. A former Ugandan international, Sseninde has been praised for her organizational efficiency and transparency in the lead-up to this crucial vote.
The 12 member associations expected in Djibouti include Burundi, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Zanzibar.
Provisional list for the candidates for different CECAFA positions
Candidates for CECAFA President
Paulos Weldehaimanot Andemariam (Eritrean National Football Federation)
Eng. Magogo Moses Hassim (Federation of Uganda Football Associations)
Alexandre Muyenge (Fédération de Football du Burundi)
Candidates for CECAFA Vice President
Ali Abdi Mohamed (Somali Football Federation)
Candidates for CECAFA Executive Committee
Francis Amin Michael (South Sudan Football Federation)
Shema Ngoga Fabrice (Fédération Rwandaise de Football Association)
Dr. Suleiman Mahmoud Jabir (Zanzibar Football Federation)
Candidates for CECAFA Judicial body
Mbarouk Suleiman Othman (Zanzibar Football Federation)