By KT Reporter
The Uganda Organising Committee for the CHAN2024 has attributed the shortage of tickets to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) safety regulations.
Several fans were left out of watching Uganda against South Africa in the ongoing African Nations Champions (CHAN 2024) due to difficulties in securing online tickets.
Despite limiting ticket purchases to three per person to reduce website traffic, several fans have still failed to buy tickets for the quarterfinal match between Uganda and Senegal, leading to frustration.
On Thursday, huge numbers of Ugandans camped at the Headquarters of FUFA in Mengo, requesting that the federation of Ugandan football officials assist them to secure the Saturday tickets, but these were turned away by security.
Addressing Journalists at Uganda Media Centre-UMC in Kampala, Denis Mugimba, spokesperson for the Uganda Organising Committee-LOC, said that the committee has limited control over ticket sales, as CAF oversees the entire process, including ticket distribution.
Mugimba noted that many people have questioned why tickets often sell out quickly, yet some empty seats are visible at the stadium during matches.
Initially, Nambole used to have 40,000 seating capacity; when it was renovated, the seating capacity was reduced to 38,000 people. But according to CAF rules and regulations, only 34000 tickets are the number of people that can be seated comfortably in that stadium. The remaining 4000 seats have remained empty. This has been done not only in Uganda, but also in Tanzania and Kenya stadiums,” Mugimba said.
According to Denis Mugimba, the reduction in seating capacity and leaving some seats empty is a safety measure to prevent stampedes and minimise casualties in case of emergencies.
CAF has indeed implemented measures to ensure safety and discipline among fans during the CHAN 2024 quarterfinal match between Uganda and Senegal. As part of these efforts, fans are prohibited from wearing jerseys or T-shirts with abusive or sensational prints at Namboole Stadium this Saturday.
Diana Nabuuso, a member of the Local Organising Committee for CHAN 2024, emphasised that fans wearing jerseys or T-shirts with abusive or sensational prints will be barred from entering Namboole Stadium during Uganda’s quarterfinal match against Senegal. This measure aims to maintain peace and discipline during the match and safeguard Uganda’s image.
“Those who come with offensive prints on their T-shirts will not be allowed to enter the stadium. This measure is to ensure peace and discipline during the match. Only names are allowed or environmental protection messages.” Nabuuso
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