President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Friday officially launched the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) tournament at a grand ceremony held at Kololo Independence Grounds.
The tournament, scheduled to take place from August 2 to August 30, 2025, will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania under the theme “PAMOJA”, a Swahili word meaning “Together.”
Speaking at the launch, President Museveni expressed optimism about the economic and social benefits the tournament will bring to the East African region.
He cited the expected influx of sports enthusiasts, tourists, and spectators as a great opportunity to boost local economies and enhance regional integration.
“This tournament is more than just football; it is a strong step toward the unity of East Africa. Events like CHAN are helping to realize our vision of integration,” Museveni said.
Uganda has been placed in Group C, alongside Niger, Guinea, Algeria, and South Africa. The national team will open its CHAN 2024 campaign against Algeria on August 4 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
President Museveni also highlighted the infrastructural progress driven by the upcoming tournaments.
He revealed that five training grounds are now ready, including Outer Namboole Pitch, Kyambogo University Grounds, Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku, Kampala International School Grounds, and Kadiba Playground in Lubaga.
He assured the public of even more sports infrastructure developments ahead of Uganda’s co-hosting of the AFCON 2027.
Also speaking at the event, First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataha Museveni, stated that Uganda has entered a new era in sports, marking a significant shift in its historical and development trajectory.
“Sports has become an independent, economically viable sector. As government, we will continue to prioritize it and support it fully,” she emphasized.
East African Community (EAC) Secretary General, Veronica Mueni Nduva, applauded the CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 tournaments as unique platforms for local footballers to showcase their talent on a global stage.
“These tournaments are reigniting the unity of East Africa and Africa at large. Our players must seize this opportunity to grow and shine,” she added.
FUFA President Moses Magogo revealed that the Ugandan government has invested over Shs 48 Billion into the CHAN and AFCON preparations, leading to transformative developments in the country’s sports infrastructure.
“Uganda has made a historical milestone in returning to international tournaments after 39 years. We are ready for the task ahead,” Magogo noted, adding that FUFA aims to become the number one sports management body on the African continent.
The CHAN 2024 launch marks a significant chapter in East Africa’s sports journey, one focused on unity, development, and opportunity.
