Uganda’s CHAN 2024 organisers address stadium refreshment crisis

CAF African Nations Championship CHAN 2024
Today 
DR Congo v Zambia 4pm 
Angola v Kenya 7pm
Tomorrow 
Algeria v South Africa 5pm 
Guinea v Uganda 8pm 

The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 has apologised to football fans who were left without food or drinks during Monday’s Group C CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 opening matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Supporters who turned up in large numbers to watch Guinea vs Niger at 5pm and later Uganda vs Algeria at 8pm were shocked to find no refreshments available inside the stadium.

Fans who entered as early as 3pm were not allowed to re-enter the stadium once their tickets were scanned, meaning stepping out to buy food or drinks from nearby areas such as Kinawataka or Kireka would require purchasing a new ticket. Many endured nearly eight hours without eating or drinking, leading to widespread frustration which was worsened by Uganda’s 3-0 humiliating defeat to Algeria.

Decolas Kiiza, the LOC Operations Manager, explained that the problem was caused by delays in accrediting and verifying vendors, as required by CAF.

“It is highly regrettable that our fans had such an experience during Monday’s matches. However, I want to assure them that the situation has been fully resolved. Beginning with tomorrow’s fixtures and throughout the rest of the tournament, fans will find food, drinks, and other refreshments available inside the stadium,” Kiiza told Vision Sport.

Kiiza explained that the delay was caused by the vendors who struggled to meet CAF’s strict standards and procedures for selling within the stadium. “Our local suppliers took time to understand and comply with CAF's protocols, but everything is now sorted,” he added.

Fans who managed to smuggle in drinks exploited the shortage by selling them at exorbitant prices. A bottle of water, which typically costs between shs500 and shs1000, was reportedly sold for up to shs10,000.

CAF’s strict regulations on security, hygiene, and branding also contributed to the initial supply challenges. Many local vendors rely on traditional cooking methods such as charcoal or firewood, which are prohibited within the stadium due to safety risks. Going forward, all food preparation must be done using electric or gas-powered appliances.

Additionally, fans should expect certain restrictions related to branding. CAF has official beverage partners for its tournaments, and unlicensed brands will not be permitted. In some cases, drinks may be served in unbranded disposable cups to protect commercial rights.

The importance of maintaining cleanliness in the stadium will be emphasised, fans will be required to eat from designated canteens and avoid littering, as Uganda aims to meet international standards of stadium organisation.

The CHAN 2024 tournament is co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Namboole stadium is the venue for group C matches, one quarterfinal, a semifinal and third-place playoff match.