State Minister for in Charge of Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, issued a stern warning to committee members overseeing Uganda’s preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking at the Local Organising Committee meeting held on December 3, 2024, at Silver Springs Hotel in Bugolobi, Kampala, Ogwang emphasized transparency and accountability as key pillars of the government’s commitment to delivering successful tournaments.
The minister’s address left no room for ambiguity, cautioning against financial mismanagement or personal profiteering.
“With regards to transparency and accountability, let me be very clear—this tournament will not go down as one where people end up in Luzira. If you think this is your opportunity to make money, you are in the wrong place,” Ogwang said.
In a striking metaphor, he added, “Friends on these committees, if you think this is your vehicle to heaven, maybe try hell instead, because Luzira prison is very open.”
Ogwang revealed that the government had allocated $30 million for the CHAN 2024 preparations, but with strict financial oversight measures in place.
Drawing from his recent meeting with CAF Secretary General Véron Mosengo-Omba in Zanzibar, he announced that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) would operate under heightened scrutiny.
“As the government, we are the primary investors in this tournament. You asked for $30 million, and we are providing it, but under strict conditions. The LOC must have a government-appointed signatory to manage these funds,” Ogwang said.
Uganda will co-host the CHAN 2024 Tournament in February alongside Kenya and Tanzania as a precursor to AFCON 2027 that the three countries will co-host.
