KAMPALA UGANDA: August 10, 2025 – The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the TotalEnergies CAF CHAN PAMOJA 2024 tournament has defended the ban on vuvuzelas and other items inside stadiums, citing public health and safety concerns. The LOC stated that while some prohibited items, like vuvuzelas, are considered part of the fan experience in certain cultures, scientific evidence demonstrates they pose health risks.
“Vuvuzelas, for example, can produce dangerously high noise levels, up to 131 decibels. To put this in perspective, this is comparable to the 130 to 140 decibels of a jet engine during takeoff” Dr Dennis Mugimba -the chairman Communication and Signage Subcommittee stated in a press release.
The LOC warned that being exposed to this level of noise in close proximity at three to five events could result in temporary hearing loss that may become permanent. The resulting hearing loss is often painless, progressive, and irreversible, and because it is so gradual, victims may not connect it to a specific event. Fans are advised to leave prohibited items at home, as they will be confiscated at the stadium gates.
The LOC also extended their appreciation to the fans for their cooperation with the Uganda Police Force’s safety guidelines and for their support of the Uganda Cranes. The committee specifically thanked the 34,000 fans who attended the second Group C game at Namboole Stadium against Guinea, noting that the crowd was larger than the previous match against Algeria. The Uganda Cranes’ win brought “unspeakable joy” to millions of supporters who followed the match through various media, as well as the fans who were in the stadium. The LOC also thanked the visiting fans from Guinea for creating a delightful atmosphere.
Due to the high demand for tickets, the LOC is encouraging fans to purchase them early. For the first match, all 29,000 available tickets were sold out, and for the second match, all 34,000 tickets were sold. All tickets for CHAN-2024 matches are sold online. The LOC also clarified that stadium gates will close fifteen minutes before the end of normal time for the last match of the day, and even fans with valid tickets will not be allowed entry after that time.
For the safety of children attending matches, the LOC has issued several guidelines. These include buying ear protection, choosing quieter sections of the stadium, and ensuring children are not left unattended. Other recommendations for adults bringing children include writing a phone number on a piece of paper and putting it in the child’s pocket in case they get separated, and identifying a meeting spot with a clear landmark.
The press release concluded by thanking the fans and wishing the Uganda Cranes good wins in their remaining two matches. Match Day Three will feature two matches: South Africa vs. Guinea at 5 p.m. and Uganda vs. Niger at 8 p.m.. Ticket prices are set at Shs. 10,000 for Ordinary, Shs. 30,000 for Silver, and Shs. 50,000 for Premium, with payments accepted via MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, and bank cards (Visa or MasterCard).
