With just days to go until kickoff, Uganda has unveiled comprehensive match ticketing arrangements for the CHAN 2024 tournament, signaling the country’s readiness to co-host the prestigious continental football event.
Speaking at a press conference held this morning during a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, Dr. Dennis K. Mugimba, the Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub-Committee, confirmed that Uganda has finalised its operational stages ahead of hosting Group C fixtures at the 32,000-seater Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024), organized under the PAMOJA partnership of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, will run from August 2 to August 30, 2024. The tournament exclusively features players competing in their respective domestic leagues.
Uganda will host 12 matches, including nine group games, one quarterfinal, one semifinal, and the third-place playoff. Group C features Uganda alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa.
All-Digital Ticketing System
In line with CAF regulations, all tickets for CHAN 2024 will be sold digitally, with no provision for physical ticket sales. Fans can purchase tickets through the official CAF website at www.cafonline.com or via QR code scans that redirect to the same platform.
The official ticket purchase link is also here: https://chan.tkt.ug/
Ticket buyers can select the country and venue of their choice, with Uganda’s matches clearly listed under the “Book Now” section for Uganda. Tickets are currently available for group-stage matches on August 4, 8, 11, and 15, with South Africa vs. Uganda on August 18 yet to open for sale.
Ticket Pricing and Seating Categories
Dr. Mugimba emphasized affordability in ticket pricing to encourage mass attendance and fan engagement. Tickets fall into three categories:
- Ordinary: UGX 10,000 per day
- Silver: UGX 30,000 per day
- Premium: UGX 50,000 per day
“Ticket pricing will vary by match day. For instance, only Ordinary tickets will be available for Uganda’s fixtures against Guinea, Niger, and South Africa, while the opening day will offer all three ticket tiers,” highlighted Dr. Mugimba.
One ticket grants access to all matches scheduled on that particular day. However, once a ticket is scanned and the holder exits the stadium, re-entry is not permitted on the same ticket.
Seating Breakdown
- Ordinary: Sections 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, and 16 — located behind the goalposts
- Silver: Section 5 — directly opposite the VVIP area on the Eastern side
- Premium: Sections 12 and 14 — adjacent to the VVIP section
Payment and Ticket Access
Tickets can be paid for via:
- MTN MoMo
- Airtel Money
- Visa or MasterCard
After completing payment, fans will receive tickets via SMS or email. They can either print the ticket or present the digital version on their phones for scanning at the stadium entrance.
Efforts to increase awareness and access include a UGX 1 billion investment in mass communication campaigns across TV, radio, social media, and community outreach.
First Match Set for August 4
The action at Namboole begins on Monday, August 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM with Niger facing Guinea. The Uganda Cranes will make their CHAN 2024 debut the same day at 8:00 PM against Algeria.
Dr. Mugimba confirmed that Niger’s team has already arrived in Uganda, and the Cranes have checked into their hotel.
He, however stated that “details about the arrival of other teams remain confidential for operational reasons.”
A Call to Celebrate African Football
“This tournament is an experience of a lifetime,” Dr. Mugimba said, noting the significance of CHAN 2024 in showcasing not just football talent but Uganda’s capacity to host events of continental magnitude.
The official opening match of CHAN 2024 will take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania on Saturday, August 2, 2024.