Sports is all about teamwork. You learn how to coordinate with others. We have teamed up not just for football, but to remind ourselves and the world that East Africa is united in purpose
The President of Uganda His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni along with the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni launched the TotalEnergies 2024 tournament on 25th July 2025 at an event held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
During the launch, President Museveni praised the event as an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s potential as a hub for continental sports events. He emphasised the role of football in uniting the country and promoting regional development.
Sports is good for stamina and teaches persistence, as well as character. Sports is all about teamwork. You learn how to coordinate with others. We have teamed up not just for football, but to remind ourselves and the world that East Africa is united in purpose. CHAN is a symbol of that brotherhood,’ the President said.
When CHOGM came to Uganda, we worked on roads and other facilities. I’m very happy about CHAN. It has motivated us to take action. CHAN is going to showcase Uganda to the outside world, and more foreigners will come to know that the country is a very good destination,’ the President added.
Janet Kataaha Museveni, the Minister of Education and Sports, addressed the audience, saying, ‘CHAN 2024 is a moment of reflection for our country. CHAN 2024 brings moments of reflection, especially for those who know the history of what we have been through. Sports, especially football, means a lot to many people; it brings out the kind of joy that unites people and creates a big family.
She added that hosting CHAN is a testament to the country’s capabilities. ‘Indeed, God has used CAF to bring us together as sister countries to co-host CHAN, and the government is committed to delivering a successful CHAN 2024. We welcome our brothers from Africa to the Pearl of Africa.
Uganda has utilized CHAN to upgrade and build facilities like FUFA Kadiba, Muteesa I1 Stadium, and Kyambogo Stadium. These developments will enable the government to leave lasting assets for future use. We thank the President for his dedication and vision in supporting the PAMOJA bid, the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports added.
The Secretary General of the East African Community (EAC) Ms. Veronica Mueni Nduva reaffirmed the regional commitment towards the competition.
Uganda has shown commitment to regional integration but also to sports. The co-efforts of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda is a testament of our collective support for development in the region, she said.
Impact will be felt far beyond the stadium and goals scored. Football is a platform for positive engagement as it encourages discipline, teamwork and healthy competition, she added.
The FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim talked about FUFA’s commitment for football to be seen as a socio-economic activity.
As FUFA, we have a dream and I thank the Government for being by our side. We needed football to be seen as something more than a sport. That starts with hosting tournaments, the FUFA President said.
He also commended the Government for ensuring peace and stability in the Country which in turn laid a foundation for such activities to happen.
The first things have been done. Peace, stability and the presence of infrastructure that enables Ugandans to move from one place to another. We have now gone to the phase of the Government supporting the sport. We had a very old law but now a new law was enacted, he said.
What is remaining is including sport as a socio-economic activity in the agenda, he added.
The TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 will be played from 2nd August to 30th August 2025 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.Â
