KAMPALA 07 AUGUST 2025: The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the CHAN-2024 tournament in Uganda has issued a press release to debrief the public on Match Day 1, which took place on Monday, August 4, 2025. The committee expressed gratitude to the fans, media, and partners who contributed to a successful and memorable start to the tournament.
Fan Parks and Transport:
In a statement signed by Dr Dennis Mugimba the head of the Communications Subcommittee, LOC acknowledged the large turnout of fans at Namboole Stadium and the fan parks in Old Taxi Park, Gulu City, and King’s Park Arena in Bweyogerere. The fan parks will continue throughout the tournament, with a new park being held in Mbarara City for Match Day 2 on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The committee also thanked the Uganda Railways Corporation for providing mass transport services by train, a service that will be available on all match days at Namboole. Fans can access this service by showing their match ticket at the railway station. The LOC also thanked the public for their cooperation with traffic instructions from the Uganda Police Force.
Ticketing Issues and Online Sales:
The statement addressed the issues some fans faced when trying to buy tickets online, particularly in the hours leading up to the first match. It was clarified that the tickets made available by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for Match Day 1 were sold out. The LOC explained that CAF manages the ticketing system and, for safety reasons, does not make all stadium seats available for sale. This is a standard protocol across all co-hosting countries, including Kenya and Tanzania. The committee also noted that the few physical tickets that were provided were resold at more than double the original price, a practice the LOC condemns. CAF has made it clear that ticket sales are not permitted near stadiums.
Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance, as CAF is moving away from physical ticket sales entirely. Tickets are available in three categories: Ordinary at Shs. 10,000, Silver at Shs. 30,000, and Premium at Shs. 50,000. Payments can be made via MTN MOMO, Airtel Money, or a Visa/MasterCard. The maximum number of tickets that can be purchased for a single fixture is five. Institutions wishing to buy a large number of tickets can contact the LOC to engage with CAF.
Prohibited Items and Concessions:
Several items that are not allowed inside Namboole Stadium, include; weapons or sharp objects, alcohol or Narcotics, professional video cameras, and large flags or banners. Others: Laser pointers, Masks that conceal one’s face, Cigarettes in all forms, Any food, Any articles with inappropriate messages, Large umbrellas, helmets, or prams, Any balls of any kind, Any pets, Flags or banners larger than 1 metre-by-2 metres, cameras with a detachable lens, any other professional recording equipment, Lighters or matches, Hooligans, Any flammable substances, Articles of a discriminatory, offensive, or politically motivated nature, Bottles, flasks, cups, jerry cans, drums, or any enclosed container, and Any promotional material of a company or business.
The LOC also addressed the issue of food and drinks not being available at stadium kiosks during Match Day 1. Dr Mugimba said the committee is working with CAF to ensure kiosks are fully operational for upcoming games and no fees will be charged to service providers in the kiosks, with the expectation that food and drink prices for fans will be reduced.
Upcoming Matches:
Match Day 2 is scheduled for Friday, August 8, 2025. The first match will be Algeria vs. South Africa at 5 p.m., followed by Guinea vs. Uganda at 8 p.m.
