The Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang, has presented a statement about Uganda’s readiness to host the CHAN 2024, assuring Parliament that the country is ready to co-host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), set to kick off on August 2, 2025.
The statement comes after lawmakers raised concerns over the country’s preparedness during a heated parliamentary session on Tuesday this week.
Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Anita Among, had directed the Ministry of Education and Sports to provide a detailed report on Uganda’s readiness for both CHAN 2024 and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This followed complaints from legislators, including Bugiri Municipality MP Asuman Basalirwa and Busiro East MP Medard Lubega Ssegona, who questioned the low publicity and infrastructural gaps ahead of the tournament.
In response, Minister Ogwang presented a comprehensive update, highlighting key milestones achieved in preparation for the continental football event.
In his statement, Ogwang confirmed that Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, had passed its final CAF inspection and is set to host 12 matches during the tournament, including group stage games, a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the third-place playoff.
He added that several training venues, including Kyambogo University, FUFA Kadiba Stadium, Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium, and Kampala International School (KISU), have been upgraded to meet CAF standards.
The minister also highlighted improvements in security and medical preparedness.
A CAF-trained joint security task force is in place, while emergency services have been strengthened with the availability of two air rescue ambulances, 25 road ambulances, and 280 medical personnel.
Mulago National Referral Hospital, Mulago Women’s Hospital, and Entebbe Hospital have been designated to handle any emergencies during the tournament.
Ogwang outlined the tournament’s ticketing framework, with CAF setting prices at UGX 10,000 for Ordinary tickets, UGX 30,000 for Silver, and UGX 50,000 for Premium.
Tickets will be available for purchase online through MTN, Airtel, and Visa platforms.
To drive awareness, the government has allocated UGX 1 billion toward promotional campaigns across television, radio, and digital platforms.
Uganda is set to host Group C, which comprises Algeria, Guinea, Niger, South Africa, and the hosts. Matches will be held at Namboole.
Niger has already arrived in the country, becoming the first foreign team to report, while Guinea is expected to arrive on Thursday.
According to Ogwang, logistically, 90 SUVs from the Presidential Protocol Fleet have already been allocated for transporting VIPs and CAF officials.
Ogwang also revealed that the government has so far disbursed USD 13 million to CAF as part of its hosting obligations.
However, an additional UGX 28.5 billion is still required for local operations, a cost CAF has declined to cover. The government is currently sourcing funds to bridge the shortfall.
Describing CHAN 2024 as a crucial opportunity to test Uganda’s systems ahead of co-hosting AFCON 2027, Ogwang expressed confidence that the country will deliver a successful tournament.
