By Fidel Boy Leon
There’s no shortage of pride in Uganda’s ability to deliver world-class infrastructure. Roads are being paved, stadiums upgraded, and training grounds brought up to international standards. But what good is a show if no one knows it’s happening?
With just days to go until Uganda kicks off its hosting of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Saturday, August 2, 2025, Parliament is sounding the alarm, not over readiness, but over visibility.
Despite millions spent on preparations, legislators were baffled by the tournament’s poor publicity. This misstep could cast a shadow over Uganda’s ambition to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The debate unfolded in Parliament on Wednesday, July 30, following a statement by the Minister of State for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang.
While MPs applauded the government’s investment in infrastructure, they were united in concern over the lack of public engagement and promotional energy.
Speaker Anita Among put it plainly, “How we host CHAN will determine how ready we will be to host AFCON.”
Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania are banking on the success of CHAN to demonstrate that East Africa is ready to handle continental football’s biggest events. But with barely any noise on the streets, airwaves, or social media, the excitement feels more muted than momentous.
Hon. Geofrey Kayemba (Bukomansimbi South) questioned the timing and efficiency of the publicity campaign.
“When was FUFA given Shs1 billion? This should have been done three months ago. “The public needs to own it and feel it,” he said, likening the lack of promotion to “hiding a beautiful thing deep down our beds.”
Minister Ogwang responded that while CAF holds primary responsibility for publicity, the government allocated Shs1 billion to FUFA to support local promotions.
He noted that radio activations and town-based campaigns had begun, albeit within a constrained timeframe.
Still, critics argue that the reactive approach has missed a critical opportunity to build national momentum, especially considering that Uganda will host 12 CHAN matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, a venue that’s undergone major renovations to meet CAF standards.
Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (Bugiri Municipality) issued a blunt warning: “If we don’t publicise these games, the stadium will be empty. And that will not be very good for the country.”
It’s a sobering prediction. Empty stands would not only mar the atmosphere of an international football tournament, but they would also send a damning message to CAF evaluators assessing Uganda’s preparedness for AFCON 2027.
Football’s Spotlight, Other Sports in the Shadows
Hon. Susan Amero (Amuria District Woman MP) broadened the conversation, criticising Uganda’s lopsided focus on football at the expense of other disciplines.
“We are treating football like it’s the only game. “”I pray that in the next budget, we will consider giving enough money to other sports,” she said.
The concern is valid. While football receives national attention and substantial funding, athletes in disciplines like athletics, netball, and boxing continue to train under difficult conditions, often with little support or recognition.
Speaker Among also demanded accountability for previous infrastructure funds that seem to have vanished into thin air.
“There is the money meant for the Mbarara-Kakyeka Stadium. We want an explanation. I also know that we gave money to Masaka. We also want an explanation of what happened.”
As Uganda welcomes teams from Algeria, Guinea, Niger, South Africa, and its own Group C squad, there’s more at stake than a series of football matches. This is a test of Uganda’s organisational maturity, fiscal transparency, and public engagement.
And in that light, no amount of concrete and steel can compensate for silence. The roots of CHAN may have been well-funded, but without strong branches of publicity, public enthusiasm, and sports equity, the tournament risks becoming a quiet spectacle in a half-empty stadium.