Uganda has officially begun its preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship with a colourful launch ceremony that saw President Yoweri Museveni score a symbolic goal to mark the start of the country’s hosting ambitions.
The launch event at Kampala’s Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Friday brought together senior government officials, football administrators and players as Uganda demonstrated its readiness to co-host the continental tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
President Museveni’s ceremonial strike on a specially constructed mini-pitch served as both a symbolic kickoff and a statement of intent from a nation seeking to establish itself as a major football destination in Africa.
The ceremony featured the official presentation of Uganda’s tournament branding, including the Local Organising Committee logo, the national team’s new kit design, and the championship’s dedicated website.
Despite changeable weather conditions throughout the day, the event maintained an upbeat atmosphere with attendees including First Lady Janet Museveni, Vice President Jessica Alupo, and Uganda Football Association President Moses Magogo.
Speaking at the launch, the First Lady emphasised the tournament’s significance for national development, describing the opportunity to co-host with neighbouring countries as evidence of Uganda’s progress from previous periods of instability.
President Museveni highlighted the championship’s potential to boost Uganda’s international profile and attract visitors to the country. He credited the Confederation of African Football’s infrastructure requirements as a positive driver for stadium development, including the construction of the new Hoima Stadium.
The president outlined sport’s broader benefits, noting its role in character building, teamwork development, and national promotion.
Football association chief Magogo expressed emotional gratitude for government backing, crediting presidential support as crucial to securing the hosting rights through regional cooperation with Kenya and Tanzania.
East African Community Secretary General Veronica Mueni Nduva praised the collaborative approach, describing the tri-nation hosting arrangement as exemplifying regional integration efforts.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on 2 August 2025 in Dar es Salaam, with Tanzania opening against Burkina Faso. Uganda will compete in Group C, facing Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa, with their opening fixture against Algeria set for 4 August.
Entertainment during the launch included performances from prominent Ugandan artists, whilst academy players and students represented the future of the country’s football development.
With infrastructure development progressing and official preparations now underway, Uganda appears well-positioned alongside its co-hosting partners to deliver a memorable championship that could enhance the region’s sporting reputation across the continent.
