CAF Bows to Uganda Fans’ Pressure, Drinks of All Nature, Food Will be Accessible At Namboole
By: Kayiira Jackson
For the first time since Mandela National Stadium Namboole came into existence in 1998, it has never hosted any match without welfare service providers in and on the fringes of the stadium but it came to reality on Monday, 04, August, 2025.
Uganda is part of the PAMOJA project of Kenya Uganda, Tanzania that were granted rights to host the 8th edition of African Nations Championship (CHAN) which started on Saturday, 02, August, 2025 in Tanzania.
CAF as the official organizers of the championship, put a number of restrictions and yesterday when Namboole hosted two opening fixtures where Guinea beat Niger 1-0 before Algeria outclassed Uganda Cranes with a 3-0 scoreline, it was visible none of the welfare service providers at the stadium and fans starved.
A number of fans were seen complaining, claiming that they were denied access to food and beverages as all canteens inside the stadium were closed, and some were even beaten and dragged away by security forces despite having tickets to watch the match between Uganda and Algeria.
However, Confederation of African Football [CAF] local organising committee through their spokesperson, Mark Namanya acknowledged all the issues and challenges faced on match day one and apologized to Ugandans citing that such errors won’t happen again.
“We regret whatever happened, and we’re not proud of it,” he said. “Every fan with a ticket should be able to access the games premises, enjoy the match, and go back home with positive stories to tell.”
Namanya explained that there was a miscommunication regarding the management of canteens within the stadium, but extensive discussions between the LOC and CAF have led to a resolution. “Dedicated service providers will be managing canteens on designated match days in accordance with CAF guidelines,” he said.
He also added that since the ticket is as low as ten thousand shillings, the same fair price will be on the the eats and and beverages because they have hosted CHAN not to make profits lather to make fans have that experience before the AFCON 2027.
The match day two will be hosted on Friday 8, August, 2025 and it will also have two fixtures where Algeria will play against South Africa at 17hrs before Uganda return for their second against Guinea at 20hrs, all matches at Namboole.