With just days to go before kick-off, Uganda’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) is racing to ensure that every fan, team and visitor will feel the unique spirit of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.
Over the next seven days, Uganda’s capital and host city, Kampala, is set to wear a fresh new look as CAF branding teams arrive to transform key sites ahead of the opening match in Group C.
‘Within the next week, the city, partner hotels, airport, training grounds and Namboole Stadium will all have a new feel,’ said Dr. Dennis Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Subcommittee of the CHAN/AFCON LOC.
Mugimba reassured stakeholders that although other CAF tournaments like WAFCON have been running simultaneously using the same service providers and all hands are now on deck to deliver the final touches that will guarantee an unforgettable experience for teams and fans alike.
The LOC confirmed that participating teams will start arriving next week, well ahead of the standard 72-hour pre-match deadline. Uganda’s Group C fixtures will see the Cranes face Algeria, Guinea, Niger and South Africa with the hosts determined to advance from the group stages for the first time in seven attempts.
All training facilities including Wankulukuku, Kadiba, Kyambogo, Kisu and the iconic Mandela National Stadium Namboole are fully prepared to host top-level matches.
While Namboole offers ample parking, the LOC is coordinating with public transport operators to ease fan access and minimise congestion on match days.
Ticket pricing proposals have been submitted to CAF and final rates will be announced soon by CAF with assurances that tickets will be accessible for every fan, from the ordinary supporter to VVIP guests.
To boost fan engagement, over 400 volunteers have been trained at Namboole and Lugogo and fan zones will be set up across the country alongside a trophy tour to share the excitement nationwide.
At least 90 VIP vehicles, previously used during major summits, will be deployed to ensure seamless hospitality for all official guests.
Mark Namanya, the communications lead at the CHAN/AFCON Local Organising Committee called for continued support towards the tournament.
‘This is historic. Never has a continental tournament been hosted by three countries. Our call to all of you is to support the tournament and endorse it in the best way possible,’ he said.
Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Director of Communications, who also doubles as a member of the communications and signage committee, shared details on how media access to the venues will be.
‘Coverage of the tournament is by accreditation. The process was completed and we did our best to ensure that as many journalists as possible were accredited,’ he said.
‘As media, you cannot cross to areas not specified. The first stop for the members of the media is the Media Centre,’ he added.
