By Spy Uganda
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has extended heartfelt appreciation to football fans across the country and beyond for making Match Day One a resounding success.
In a statement issued today, the LOC hailed the passionate supporters who turned up in large numbers on Monday, August 4, at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, to witness the opening Group C matches featuring Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and Uganda.
“We deeply thank the fans who created a historic and electrifying atmosphere in the stadium as Uganda co-hosted its first ever CHAN tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania,” the LOC said.
The LOC also recognized the role of media houses and individuals who actively mobilized the public, helping to fill Namboole and also attract audiences to fan parks across the country, including in Gulu City, King’s Park Arena in Bweyogerere, and the iconic Old Taxi Park in Kampala.
To expand outreach, the LOC confirmed that fan parks will continue to rotate across regional cities. On Match Day Two, slated for Friday, August 8, Mbarara City will be the host of a fan park event aimed at bringing the game closer to fans outside the capital.
Special appreciation was extended to Uganda Railways Corporation for providing mass transit services that enabled fans to reach the stadium seamlessly. This train service will remain available throughout the tournament, with fans required only to present a valid match ticket at the station to board.
The LOC also commended the Uganda Police Force for their professional handling of traffic and crowd control, which allowed both fans and commuters to move safely before, during, and after the games.
“The cooperation of the public in adhering to traffic instructions significantly contributed to a smooth experience for all,” said the LOC, urging continued compliance with traffic regulations throughout the tournament.
While praising the enthusiastic turnout, the LOC acknowledged challenges with online ticketing, particularly as many fans struggled to buy tickets in the final hours before kick-off.
The LOC clarified that ticketing is exclusively managed by CAF, which has implemented a policy of limiting ticket availability for in-stadium safety. This means not all seats are open for sale— a measure applied across all three host countries.
“The available tickets for Match Day One were completely sold out,” the LOC stated, adding that unoccupied seats observed by fans were not available for sale under CAF’s safety guidelines.
Additionally, the LOC condemned black-market ticket resale, revealing that some individuals exploited the few physical tickets by reselling them at inflated prices. CAF has also banned ticket sales near stadiums as a security measure.
Ticket Prices & Payment Options
Ticket prices remain affordable and are categorized as follows:
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Ordinary: UGX 10,000 per day
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Silver: UGX 30,000 per day
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Premium: UGX 50,000 per day
Fans can purchase tickets via:
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MTN MoMo
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Airtel Money
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Visa or MasterCard
Each buyer can only purchase tickets for up to five people per fixture, but the process can be repeated for larger groups. Institutions needing bulk purchases may liaise with the LOC for official coordination with CAF.
Prohibited Items & Match Day Reminders
As Match Day Two approaches—with Algeria facing South Africa at 5 p.m., and Uganda clashing with Guinea at 8 p.m.—the LOC reminded fans of a strict list of prohibited items at Namboole Stadium. These include:
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Laser pointers, face masks, weapons, cigarettes, alcohol, food items, offensive signage, large umbrellas, professional cameras, and promotional materials, among others.
The LOC also reiterated that only digital tickets will be accepted, and fans should purchase theirs in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments.
Food & Drink Services To Improve
Acknowledging complaints from fans who found kiosks empty during Match Day One, the LOC confirmed that measures have been taken in coordination with CAF and the stadium management to ensure full kiosk operations going forward.
Importantly, vendors will not be charged rental fees, a move expected to reduce food and drink prices for fans.
“We urge all fans to buy tickets early, adhere to security guidelines, and continue supporting Uganda Cranes as they push for glory on home soil,” the LOC concluded.
The LOC pledged to continue working with CAF, local authorities, and the public to deliver a world-class experience as Uganda proudly co-hosts CHAN 2024.
