CHAN 2024: President Museveni kicks off Uganda’s tournament hopes with symbolic goal
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda officially launched the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) in a vibrant ceremony at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala marking the country’s renewed ambition to position itself as a continental football hub.
In a move full of symbolism, President Museveni scored the ceremonial "first goal" of the tournament on a specially prepared mini pitch during Friday's ceremony, signalling not only the kickoff of the tournament preparations but also Uganda’s commitment to use sport as a catalyst for national pride and development.
The event also saw the unveiling of the official Local Organising Committee (LOC) logo, Uganda Cranes’ team jersey, and tournament website.
Set against Uganda’s dramatic tropical weather patterns that day—with alternating sun, clouds, and rain—the launch captured the country’s vibrant spirit.
The Kololo grounds welcomed a cross-section of dignitaries, including First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni, Vice President Jessica Alupo, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, FUFA President Moses Magogo, and several current and former Uganda Cranes players.
“This tournament represents the stability and progress Uganda has achieved under President Museveni’s leadership,” said Janet Museveni.
“To co-host with our brothers and sisters from Kenya and Tanzania is a testament to how far we’ve come from the dark days of instability.”
President Museveni praised CHAN as an opportunity to advance Uganda’s sports infrastructure, social cohesion, and international visibility.
“CHAN is going to showcase Uganda to the outside world. More foreigners will come to know that the country is a very good destination,” he said.
He acknowledged CAF’s demands as positive pressure that has driven the government to build modern infrastructure.
“CAF told us we needed at least three international-standard stadiums. That’s how we opted to build the new Hoima Stadium near the international airport,” Museveni said.
The president emphasised sport’s multifaceted value: “Sports teaches you to persist in body and character. It promotes teamwork and health. It is a form of entertainment, builds fame for the country and helps in promotion of sales.”
The First Lady echoed these sentiments, calling CHAN and the upcoming AFCON 2027 “a fresh page in a new book for our homeland.” She pledged that the LOC, under her leadership, would deliver a secure and successful tournament.
The event featured energetic cultural and musical performances from artists like Levixone, Chameleone, Jeff Crew from Makindye, and Wembley Mo Foundation, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
The future of Ugandan football was also represented by academy players and students in attendance.
FUFA President Moses Magogo, visibly emotional, credited government support as key to Uganda’s growing sporting stature.
“We had a dream to host Africa in East Africa. We teamed up with Kenya and Tanzania. Governments signed guarantees and we submitted the bid. We thank President Museveni. We would not be here without your personal input,” he said.
Secretary General of the East African Community, H.E. Veronica Mueni Nduva, praised the regional cooperation.
“Uganda has shown commitment to regional integration. The co-efforts of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are a testament of our collective support for development in the region,” she said.
CHAN 2024 will officially kick off on 2 August 2025 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with hosts Tanzania facing Burkina Faso.
Uganda, co-hosting alongside Kenya, will play its group matches in Group C against Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa. The Cranes’ opening match will be on 4 August against Algeria.
With the successful launch now complete, the message was clear: Uganda is ready.
The football, the fans, and the infrastructure are all aligned for what promises to be one of the most memorable CHAN editions in the tournament’s history.