As Uganda enters the final countdown to the highly anticipated African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, hundreds of volunteers are undergoing venue- and role-specific training to prepare for the tournament.
The training, which kicked off early this week, is being conducted across several locations and is aimed at equipping volunteers with practical skills to support tournament operations. With Uganda set to host the continent from August 2 to 30, the volunteers are expected to play a critical behind-the-scenes role in ensuring smooth execution of the event.
Facilitators for the sessions include officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and local experts in various fields. CAF’s Jibril Nasiru, known for his experience in continental football operations, is among those leading the training.
Volunteers are being trained in areas such as access control, ticketing, media operations, competition support, guest management, branding, and general venue support.
In each of these areas, they are learning the procedures and protocols essential for handling large crowds, supporting dignitaries, managing media zones, and ensuring that CAF standards are met at every touchpoint.
Speaking during one of the sessions, Ahmed Hussein, a veteran sports journalist and director for communications at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), who also doubles as one of the facilitators, emphasized the importance of professionalism.
“Volunteers are the backbone of tournaments like CHAN. When they perform well, the entire event shines,” he said.
Other trainers include Sumaya Kiwanuka, Winnie Nakanjakko, Kutamba Pheobe, Sadam Bulega, Humphrey Mandu, and Leila Nankya, each bringing a wealth of experience from previous international events.
The CHAN 2024 Local Organizing Committee says this intensive training program reflects Uganda’s commitment to delivering a world-class event. Volunteers will be deployed across all stadiums and official sites in Kampala, Wakiso, and Mukono.
Uganda is hosting CHAN for the first time, and the presence of trained, knowledgeable volunteers is expected to greatly enhance the visitor experience and tournament logistics.
With only days to go before kick-off, preparations are in full swing — and Uganda’s volunteers are ready to welcome Africa to a memorable football festival.