The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 has been forced to respond after complaints surfaced from fans who claimed they were attacked while leaving Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, following Uganda’s clash with South Africa on August 18.
Videos shared on TikTok and other platforms painted a picture of chaos, alleging robberies, physical assaults, and harassment along the stadium exits. Some of the clips even carried political undertones, with calls for Uganda to be stripped of its right to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
But the LOC chairperson, communications and signage sub-committee Dennis Mugimba, backed by the Uganda Police Force, has dismissed the claims as unfounded. A police statement issued on August 20 branded the allegations “baseless, reckless, alarmist and misleading,” insisting no such incidents have been substantiated. Still, security agencies urged any fan with credible evidence to report to the nearest police post.
The LOC stressed that Uganda has deployed a robust intelligence-led security system, with both visible and undercover officers ensuring the safety of fans inside and outside the stadium.
At the same time, the committee condemned acts of hooliganism witnessed during the South Africa game, where some fans threw bottles and cups at Bafana Bafana players after their third goal and while leaving the pitch. Citing Section 64 of the National Sports Act (2023), the LOC reminded fans that such behavior carries heavy consequences—including fines of up to UGX 9.6 million, imprisonment for up to 10 years, and possible stadium bans.
“The message is simple,” the LOC warned. “Fans must conduct themselves with discipline and respect for all participants in this tournament.”
To tighten order, the LOC announced that no fan under the influence of alcohol or displaying aggressive behavior will be allowed through the gates, and all drinks purchased at the stadium must be served in disposable cups. Bottles, including water bottles, will not be permitted in the stands.
Beyond security, the LOC also addressed growing frustration around ticket access for Saturday’s quarterfinal between Uganda and Senegal. Demand for the game has been overwhelming—reportedly four times more than Namboole’s 34,000-seat capacity.
CAF, which directly manages ticketing, has insisted on online-only sales since the opening match, introducing limits of three tickets per buyer and a queueing system to curb bulk purchases and cyber threats. The LOC reminded fans that buying tickets from unauthorized vendors carries the risk of ending up with fake or duplicate tickets, which is a criminal offence under Section 65 of the Sports Act.
“Anyone selling fake tickets faces fines, jail time, and compensation orders,” the LOC emphasized, urging victims to report such scams to police.
With all eyes now on Saturday’s Uganda vs Senegal quarterfinal, organizers say fans should be reassured of their safety and reminded to secure tickets only through official CAF channels.
