Uganda officially launched the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 tournament at a colourful ceremony held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The occasion was graced by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni.
In his remarks, President Museveni hailed CHAN as more than just a football competition, describing it as a symbol of East African unity and a vehicle for national development. “Sports builds character, resilience, and teamwork. But beyond the pitch, it’s about nations coming together. Through CHAN, we reaffirm our shared identity as East Africans,” he said.
He went on to note the broader impact of hosting major events, recalling Uganda’s transformation during CHOGM 2007. “Just like we did then, CHAN has inspired fresh investments—roads, stadiums, and infrastructure that will serve generations,” Museveni stated.
The First Lady, Janet Museveni, struck a reflective tone, emphasizing football’s emotional and social power. “Football stirs joy in communities and fosters unity. Hosting CHAN is a proud moment that also reminds us of how far Uganda has come,” she noted. She praised the tournament as a divine opportunity for regional collaboration. “CAF has enabled us to bond with our neighbours—Kenya and Tanzania—as we co-host this historic event. We are ready to welcome the continent.”
Mrs. Museveni also highlighted the legacy projects tied to CHAN, such as the rehabilitation of Muteesa II Stadium, FUFA Kadiba, and Kyambogo University Stadium. “These investments will outlive the tournament. They are national assets, and we owe gratitude to the President for backing the PAMOJA bid,” she added.
Representing the East African Community, Secretary General Veronica Mueni Nduva lauded Uganda’s leadership in regional sports. “Uganda has consistently shown its dedication to regional growth and cooperation through sport. This tournament is about more than winning—it’s about inspiring the youth and fostering unity.”
FUFA President Moses Magogo underscored football’s evolving role in Uganda. “We envision football not just as a game but as a socio-economic tool. Hosting tournaments like CHAN brings tourism, jobs, and investment,” he explained. He also appreciated the government’s role in securing peace and enabling infrastructure development. “None of this is possible without stability. With that foundation laid, we now move into a phase where sport is recognized as a contributor to national development,” he concluded.
The CHAN 2024 tournament will take place across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from August 2 to August 30, 2025. Uganda’s preparations reflect not only a commitment to sport but to regional solidarity and long-term growth
