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Preparations for CHAN 2024 in Uganda Under Scrutiny
Five days ago, Uganda officially began its preparations to host the prestigious African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. This marks a significant moment for the country as it joins forces with other East African nations to bring the event to life. As part of a joint East African Community (EAC) bid, Tanzania will host the opening ceremony and finals, while Kenya will stage key matches. Uganda, on the other hand, is set to host the third-place playoff during the tournament’s climax.
Despite these arrangements, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of low public engagement on the success of the event. During a recent plenary session on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Speaker Anita Annet Among voiced her worries regarding the lack of public mobilization and preparation for the tournament.
Among highlighted that there are growing concerns among the public about the lack of awareness surrounding Uganda’s role in hosting CHAN. She stated, “The issues that are being raised outside there, that I got in my office and from your members, are that we, as Uganda, are lighting our candle, but the candle is kept under the chair. It is not serving the purpose. The public out there does not know that we are hosting CHAN.”
She emphasized the need for the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES) to provide clear information on how prepared the country is for the event. Among argued that as a house of representatives, they must be informed so that they can effectively communicate this information to the public. She also stressed the importance of creating awareness about the readiness of the nation to host the tournament and supporting the Uganda Cranes, the national team set to play first.
In addition to the concerns about CHAN, Among also called for the government to brief them on the issue of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This shows the broader scope of her concern for the nation’s sporting events and their successful execution.
Government Response to Concerns
In response to these concerns, sports state minister Peter Ogwang quickly dismissed the notion that city dwellers were unaware of the tournament. He suggested that only those in rural areas might be left behind in terms of awareness.
During the session, Among urged the minister to provide a report on the progress made. She stated, “Honourable minister, you have indirectly pleaded with the house. That you have not done what is expected, and we will want a report from you tomorrow. And, we want evidence that this is happening, and we can also see as we move out. Because we don’t stay here. We should be able to see, as we move out, that this is what is happening. But it is all for the good of Uganda.”
Ogwang accepted the challenge and committed to providing a detailed report the following day. He assured the house that he would share information on the current status of preparations and future plans. He also mentioned that advertising efforts would be undertaken to ensure the public is well-informed.
A Call to Action
Ogwang expressed his gratitude to Parliament for their continued support and invited them to witness Uganda’s first game against Algeria. The match is scheduled to take place on August 4, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole. The game will be played under floodlights at 8:00pm, marking an exciting start to the tournament.
As preparations continue, the focus remains on ensuring that the public is aware of the significance of the event and the role Uganda plays in hosting it. With ongoing discussions and commitments from the government, there is hope that the tournament will be a success, showcasing Uganda’s capabilities and spirit.
