Ugandan football fans have been urged to prepare early and avoid ticket frustrations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which the country will co-host.
Shifa Bayo, chairperson of the Uganda Premier League Fans Meetup, encouraged supporters to embrace fan zones as an alternative, warning against a repeat of the challenges seen during CHAN 2024.
Many Ugandans were left stranded outside Mandela National Stadium despite the country’s hospitality winning praise from visiting fans.
“It was painful to see Ugandans who loved to watch their national football team live at Namboole failing to access the stadium. They did not know they could still watch the match from fan zone places. This time let us use different media platforms to create awareness before AFCON 2027,” Bayo said.
Football statistician Mutesi Faridah echoed the concerns, criticising the hoarding of tickets by individuals who resold them at inflated prices. She proposed a one-ticket-per-person rule to ensure fairness and wider access.
Bayo, who volunteered during CHAN 2024, said the tournament was both an honour and a learning experience. She believes AFCON 2027 offers a golden opportunity for Ugandans, not just to watch football but also to showcase national pride and hospitality to the continent.
