As Uganda prepares for Match Day Two of the Total Energies CHAN PAMOJA 2024 tournament, the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has announced the expansion of fan engagement efforts to regional cities, beginning with Mbarara on Friday, August 8.
During a press briefing on Thursday, August 7, 2025, Dr. Bernard Patrick Mugimba, Chairperson of the LOC Sub-Committee on Communications and Signage, expressed gratitude to football fans for their enthusiastic support during Monday’s Group C opening matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
“On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee for CHAN 2024 in Uganda, I sincerely thank all the football fans whose incredible support made Match Day One on Monday, August 4, a truly memorable occasion,” Dr. Mugimba said.
He praised the vibrant crowds that filled the stands to cheer on Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and Uganda in their opening fixtures, and acknowledged the vital role media houses played in mobilizing nationwide participation.
To sustain the momentum and widen national reach, Dr. Mugimba confirmed that fan parks will continue throughout the tournament, with each match day featuring one fan park in a regional city and another within a division of Kampala. For Match Day Two, he revealed that Mbarara City will host the official fan park.
He also commended the Uganda Railways Corporation for facilitating smooth transport to and from Namboole during the opening matches.
At the same time, he urged fans to continue observing traffic guidelines issued by Uganda Police to ensure both safety and a smooth match day experience.
Addressing complaints about ticketing issues on Monday, Dr. Mugimba explained that ticket availability is restricted by CAF safety protocols, which apply not only to Uganda but also to co-hosting countries Kenya and Tanzania.
He denounced the illegal resale of CHAN tickets at inflated prices and emphasized that all tickets must be purchased exclusively through official digital platforms. Ticket prices remain at UGX 10,000 for Ordinary, UGX 30,000 for Silver, and UGX 50,000 for Premium, with purchases available via MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, or card.
Each fan is allowed to buy a maximum of five tickets per match. Dr. Mugimba also stressed that no ticket selling is permitted near stadiums, and institutions intending to purchase in bulk should coordinate directly with the LOC through CAF authorized channels.
He acknowledged fan frustration over the lack of food and beverages during the opening match and promised improvements moving forward.
“We regret that fans found no food or drinks during Match Day One at Namboole. All kiosks will be stocked and functional moving forward, with no vendor fees to help lower prices,” he assured.
Uganda Cranes will be back in action on Friday, August 8, in a must-win clash against Guinea at 8:00 p.m., following South Africa’s fixture against Algeria at 5:00 p.m., both taking place at Mandela National Stadium. Uganda will be looking to bounce back after their 3-0 defeat to Algeria in the tournament opener.
