By Spy Uganda
In a landmark moment for African football, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will officially launch the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Friday, July 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM. The event marks the start of East Africa’s unprecedented joint hosting of the continental tournament — a historic first for the region and the entire African continent.
This year’s tournament, which runs from August 2 to August 30, will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, making it the first CAF competition to be staged across three countries.
With final preparations in full swing, excitement is surging across East Africa. Streets are adorned with flags, stadiums are undergoing final upgrades, and anticipation is reaching a fever pitch. From Kampala to Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, the region is rallying behind what promises to be Africa’s biggest celebration of home-grown football talent.
“This is more than a sporting event — it’s a unifying force, a celebration of our identity, and a showcase of African excellence,” said CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba. “East Africa is ready to welcome the continent.”
The CHAN 2024 tournament is distinct from other CAF competitions in that it features players exclusively drawn from domestic leagues. For many of these players, CHAN offers a rare international platform to shine and earn opportunities beyond their national borders.
The opening match will be played at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Uganda will host the third-place playoff, and the final will be held in Nairobi, where a new CHAN champion will be crowned.
With 19 nations qualified — including defending champions Senegal — and the final draw complete, fans are bracing for an intense showdown. Group stage matchups are already drawing interest, with analysts predicting fierce battles and surprise breakout stars.
Organizers are finalizing logistics, rolling out marketing campaigns, and ensuring all host cities are fully prepared to deliver a world-class tournament experience.
The ceremonial launch by President Museveni is a major source of pride for Uganda and signals the country’s rising influence in continental sports. Kololo Grounds, steeped in historical significance, will serve as the perfect stage to ignite a tournament that represents ambition, unity, and cultural pride.
With just days to go, CHAN 2024 is more than a tournament — it’s a celebration of African resilience, talent, and unity.
Whether you’re in the stadium or watching from afar, this month-long football fiesta promises unforgettable moments, electric atmospheres, and a deep sense of continental pride.
