By Fidel Boy Leon
Uganda officially launched the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 on July 25, 2025, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, signalling a transformative moment in its sports development and regional diplomacy.
Co-hosted by Kenya and Tanzania, the tournament is more than a showcase of athletic talent; it’s a testament to East African unity, infrastructure growth, and national pride.
In his address, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni emphasised the power of sports to develop personal discipline, stamina, and teamwork, traits that also benefit the nation.
“While sports build individual strength, they also uplift our global image and open business opportunities,” he said, referencing endorsement deals and talent exports.
Museveni lauded CHAN-2024 as a “positive provocation” that has pushed Uganda to accelerate sports infrastructure development, including upgrades to Nakivubo Stadium, new construction in Hoima, and ongoing work at other national facilities.
“CHAN has provoked us… in a good way… to act, and we salute this pressure,” he remarked.
The President also celebrated the progress made since the NRM government came to power, highlighting how peace and education reforms have created a foundation for sustained sports development.
The First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, described the CHAN-2024 launch as “a fresh page in a new book” for Uganda, linking the moment to the country’s larger journey of resilience and transformation.
“Football brings out the kind of joy that unites people across all divides,” she noted.
She reassured both Ugandans and international guests, especially teams from Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa, of the country’s preparedness, hospitality, and lasting commitment to sports development.
“You can now call Uganda your home away from home,” she warmly stated.
Maama Janet also expressed gratitude to her husband, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, and CAF for their instrumental roles in bringing the tournament to Uganda.
“Just like God remembered the children of Israel, He has remembered Uganda,” she said.
EAC Secretary General Veronica M. Nduva called the CHAN co-hosting bid a milestone in regional integration and celebrated Uganda’s infrastructure progress, particularly the renovation of Mandela National Stadium.
She commended President Museveni’s visionary leadership and called on the media to amplify the tournament’s significance across the region.
State Minister for Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, highlighted the President’s persistent interest in the tournament’s success and thanked the First Lady for her hands-on involvement.
FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo described the launch as a deeply emotional moment, declaring:
“Dreams do come true.”
He credited recent sports law reforms, notably the enactment of the National Sports Law, as laying the groundwork for Uganda’s growing stature as a host nation.
Uganda’s role as co-host of CHAN-2024 marks more than just participation in a major tournament; it signals a strategic pivot toward sports as a pillar of national development.
With AFCON-2027 on the horizon, the country is making deliberate investments in stadium upgrades like FUFA Kadiba, Wankulukuku, and Kyambogo Grounds; enacting policy reforms; and prioritising youth development through sport.
Beyond the pitch, this agenda aims to boost tourism, attract international attention, and strengthen regional ties. These efforts are not isolated, but rather they reflect a long-term commitment to making sports a vehicle for economic growth, social cohesion, and global engagement.
“PAMOJA—Together as One”