Police in Kampala have arrested 12 suspects accused of selling counterfeit tickets for the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 match between Uganda Cranes and South Africa.
Uganda Police Spokesperson, Rusoke Kituuma, confirmed the arrests during his weekly press briefing at Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala. Without revealing the suspects’ identities, Kituuma warned the public against falling victim to fraudsters.
“One of the reservations we made is that there are people who have tried to sell fake tickets and some have not survived it. We nabbed 12 and they are facing the music,” he said.
He cautioned fans against attempting to buy tickets outside official online platforms.
“We don’t want you to fall victim. If you go online and find tickets are sold out, go to your nearest Fan Park or screen to watch the game. Do not be convinced by any trick that you can enter Namboole without an online ticket. You will be embarrassed and kept in safe custody,” Kituuma stressed.
Meanwhile, all attention turns to Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, tonight as Uganda Cranes take on South Africa in their crucial third Group C fixture of the CHAN 2024 tournament, jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
The do-or-die clash kicks off at 8:00 p.m., with the Cranes leading the group on six points. South Africa and Algeria trail closely with five points each, while Guinea and Niger complete the group. A win or draw will secure Uganda a spot in the quarterfinals, making this one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
According to the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), enthusiasm has been overwhelming; with an average of 34,000 fans turning up at Namboole for each Cranes game. Tickets for Match Day 5 sold out by Friday evening, underscoring the soaring excitement.
The LOC has also warned against fake tickets, emphasizing that all official CHAN 2024 tickets are sold exclusively online.
“Anyone presenting counterfeit tickets at the stadium gates will be denied entry, regardless of the category, ordinary, silver, premium, VIP, VVIP, or presidential,” said Dr. Dennis K. Mugimba, Chairperson of the LOC’s Communications and Signage Sub-Committee.
For those unable to secure a stadium seat, the LOC has organized free-entry Fan Parks across the country, including Café Milano in Masindi, Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala, and King’s Park Arena in Bweyogerere. These Fan Parks will open at 3:00 p.m. and feature live match screenings alongside entertainment from local artistes.
Dr. Mugimba thanked fans for their unwavering support and urged the Cranes to seize the historic opportunity.
