KAMPALA, Uganda – With just weeks to go before the kickoff of the much-anticipated CHAN 2024 tournament, Uganda has once again underlined its commitment to delivering a world-class football event.
On Sunday, July 14, 2025, the CHAN/AFCON Local Organising Committee (LoC) held a high-level media engagement session in Kampala, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, collaboration, and patriotism in the lead-up to the continental showpiece.
Held at the National Council of Sports (NCS) conference hall, the session followed a successful final inspection by CAF officials last Thursday and served as a platform to update the media on Uganda’s preparedness as well as reinforce CAF’s international reporting protocols.
“The World Will Be Watching Uganda” — Namanya
Addressing the media, Mark Namanya, the PR and Communications Manager at the CHAN/AFCON Secretariat, called on journalists to uphold the highest standards of conduct as representatives of the country during the tournament.
“We expect accredited journalists to be punctual, follow access protocols, and represent Uganda with excellence,” Namanya said.
“This tournament is under CAF’s global lens. Let’s showcase our capability and professionalism.”
He highlighted CAF’s strict expectations on timekeeping, access zone discipline, dress code, and ethical journalism, reminding the press that their work would directly impact Uganda’s image on the continental stage.
Infrastructure Ready, Public Engagement Next
Dr. Dennis K. Mugimba, Chairperson of the LoC Communications and Signage Committee, delivered an update on infrastructure, confirming that Mandela National Stadium – Namboole, along with key training grounds, had met all CAF requirements.
He noted that inspectors were satisfied with Uganda’s progress and praised the country’s determination to meet international standards.
“We’re not just ready on paper — we’re ready on the ground,” Dr. Mugimba emphasized.
The LOC is now shifting focus to a nationwide fan mobilization campaign, expected to launch soon under a theme that captures the national spirit and unity ahead of the tournament.
“We want every Ugandan to feel part of this moment,” Dr. Mugimba added.
“CHAN 2024 is more than football. It’s a celebration of who we are as a people.”
Strong Voices Behind the Message
The session also featured key contributions from Mr. Rodgers Mulindwa, Vice Chairperson of the LoC Communications Committee; Mr. William Fredrick Blick, Ex Officio Member of the LoC; and Mr. Ahmed Hussein, FUFA Communications Director. All reaffirmed Uganda’s full commitment to CAF’s vision and called for media unity and responsibility in building national pride through storytelling.
CHAN 2024: A Moment of Truth for Uganda
CHAN 2024, which Uganda is co-hosting with Kenya and Tanzania, is set to begin on August 2, 2025. It will bring together Africa’s finest local-based footballers and thousands of fans from across the continent.
As the countdown continues, Uganda is not just preparing stadiums — it’s preparing its people, its media, and its message to the world.
“Let us use this platform to tell Uganda’s story with pride, discipline, and purpose,” urged Mr. Namanya.
