Uganda has officially launched the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, signaling a bold new chapter in the country’s sports renaissance and East African regional cooperation.
The grand launch took place at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, filled with patriotic energy, cultural displays, and powerful affirmations of unity under the theme “PAMOJA – Together as One.”
Uganda is co-hosting CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, under the East African Community (EAC) banner—a collaboration President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni described as a landmark in regional integration and mutual progress.
In his keynote address, the President highlighted the deeper purpose of sports beyond entertainment:
“Sports build stamina, skill, determination, and teamwork. While these are personal benefits, they translate into national pride, global recognition, and business opportunities—especially through athlete endorsements,” he said.
He praised CHAN for acting as a catalyst for Uganda’s sports development, spurring long-overdue investment in infrastructure like Nakivubo Stadium, Hoima Stadium, and other new facilities under construction.
“CHAN has provoked us—in a good way—to act, and we salute this pressure,” Museveni said, to applause.
President Museveni also reflected on Uganda’s journey since the NRM came to power, linking peace, education, and now sports development as pillars of national transformation. He emphasized that for the youth, sports provide a constructive outlet, steering them away from destructive habits and into purpose-driven lives.
“A New Page in a New Book” – First Lady
First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, delivered a heartfelt speech, calling the launch “a new page in a new book” for Uganda. She hailed the opportunity to host CHAN 2024 and the upcoming AFCON 2027 as signs of divine favor and national resilience.
“Football brings out the kind of joy that unites people across all divides,” she noted, pledging the government’s full commitment to upgrading sports facilities that will serve communities long after the final whistle.
She highlighted ongoing renovations at FUFA Technical Centre Kadiba, Muteesa II Stadium Wankulukuku, and Kyambogo Sports Grounds, while reassuring participating countries—including Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa—that Uganda is ready to welcome them with open arms.
“You can now call Uganda your home away from home,” she said warmly.
A Continental and Regional Milestone
EAC Secretary General H.E. Veronica M. Nduva lauded the joint hosting bid as a breakthrough in regional collaboration. She cited the renovation of Mandela National Stadium as a sign of Uganda’s growing readiness to lead in continental sports diplomacy and development.
“President Museveni’s visionary leadership has made this moment possible,” she said, calling on the media to play its role in rallying public support for the tournament.
“Dreams Do Come True” – Sports Leaders Speak
Hon. Peter Ogwang, Minister of State for Sports, praised President Museveni for his consistent backing of CHAN preparations, revealing the President’s personal interest and follow-up throughout the process. He also recognized Maama Janet Museveni for her steadfast encouragement.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo was visibly emotional, declaring: “Dreams do come true. What we are witnessing today is the result of vision, leadership, and the National Sports Law recently passed to give sports a solid legal and financial foundation.”
Magogo affirmed Uganda’s readiness to host CHAN and beyond, emphasizing the broader benefits of policy and infrastructure that extend beyond tournaments to lasting national impact.
As Uganda looks forward to CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027, the country is positioning sports as a pillar of unity, economic opportunity, and youth empowerment. With significant strides in infrastructure, governance, and international cooperation, the message is clear: