By Daniel Muwonge
Ugandan hip-hop star Daniel Kigozi, widely known as Navio, has called on leaders to treat the African Nations Championship (CHAN) as a critical opportunity to build Uganda’s football identity and grow the local sports industry.
In an exclusive interview with NBS Sport, Navio said the fact CHAN stands apart from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as it’s designed specifically for players in domestic leagues, gives homegrown talent the spotlight.
“CHAN is our tournament. It’s where our own homegrown talent gets to shine without relying on international stars. It’s where future Cranes legends are born,” he said.
Navio, who has long used his platform to promote youth empowerment and national pride, believes Uganda must take CHAN seriously by investing in grassroots football, improving infrastructure, and ensuring local players receive proper support.
He also urged both government and private players to see sports as a real industry with economic potential.
“Sports should be treated like the music industry—something that can create jobs, drive tourism, and unite the country. The problem is governance, funding, and lack of vision,” he noted.
Navio stressed that change must start with transparency and accountability in sports federations.
He called for better training for coaches, better stadiums, and stronger local sports media to build excitement around domestic games.
“We have the talent. What we don’t have is the system to support it,” he said.
His remarks come as Uganda prepares to co-host CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania this August. Uganda will host among other games, the third place playoff.
