Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, has extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to all participating nations of CHAN 2024, describing Uganda as “your home away from home” and reaffirming the country’s readiness to host a memorable tournament.
Speaking during the official launch of CHAN 2024, Hon. Museveni emphasized that the tournament is not just about football, but about fostering deeper regional unity and friendship. “God has used CAF to bring us together as neighboring countries. It is beyond hosting football; it is about us coming together as sister countries,” she remarked.
She welcomed all visiting teams, officials, and fans with open arms, assuring them of a peaceful, secure, and beautiful host nation. “As a host country, I welcome you all to Uganda. We have peace and beautiful places to visit. You can now call Uganda your home away from home.”
As Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LoC), the First Lady expressed Uganda’s full commitment to delivering a successful CHAN 2024. “The government is ready to co-host a successful CHAN 2024, and we shall be remembered for a long time,” she said.
She highlighted the efforts made by Uganda to ensure world-class sporting facilities for the tournament. “Uganda has utilized the opportunity to host CHAN to upgrade stadia,” she said. The iconic Mandela National Stadium (Namboole)has been renovated, while essential training grounds at Kyambogo University, FUFA Technical Center at Kadiba, and Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku have also received key upgrades to meet international standards.
The First Lady also praised the collaborative work of the LoC and international partners. “I thank the Local Organising Committee for their tireless efforts to ensure that we successfully co-host CHAN 2024,” she said. “I also thank CAF once more for working together with us to make this event a success.”
She further acknowledged President Yoweri Museveni’s role in backing the PAMOJA East Africa bid, which brought Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania together as co-hosts.
“I thank the President for his deliberate effort in realizing the vision of integration by supporting the PAMOJA bid.”
With Uganda’s arms wide open, the First Lady’s message was clear: the country is not only ready to host CHAN 2024, but also to build bridges of unity, celebrate African talent, and offer a warm home to all who visit.