Uganda’s ambitions to position itself as a continental hub for sports and investment received a powerful boost on July 27, 2025, as President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni officially launched the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.
More than just a symbolic kick-off, the event marked a major economic and branding milestone, signaling Uganda’s strategic use of international sports to drive infrastructure development, boost tourism, and attract regional investment.
During the vibrant launch ceremony, President Museveni struck a ceremonial “first goal” on a mini-pitch, underscoring Uganda’s readiness to co-host the CHAN tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
But behind the celebratory mood lies a well-calculated economic play. CHAN 2024 is not just a football tournament it is a multimillion-dollar opportunity that the Ugandan government hopes to leverage for job creation, construction growth, tourism promotion, and regional trade integration.
As Uganda prepares to host Group C fixtures featuring Algeria, Niger, Guinea, South Africa, and Uganda’s own Cranes, significant investments are already underway.
These include the construction of modern stadiums such as the new Hoima Stadium, strategically located near the upcoming international airport.
According to President Museveni, demands by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to meet international standards provided the “positive pressure” needed to accelerate sports infrastructure in the country.
“This tournament will showcase Uganda to the world,” said Museveni during the launch, highlighting how CHAN will enhance Uganda’s global visibility and promote it as a safe and attractive destination.
This visibility is expected to translate into increased tourism revenue, especially as thousands of fans, officials, and media personnel converge on the country for the matches and related activities.
The economic ripple effects are already visible. Contractors, vendors, transport operators, and hospitality players stand to benefit significantly from the event.
From accommodation and merchandising to catering and local transportation, small and medium enterprises across the tourism and service sectors are preparing to tap into the increased demand.
For a country targeting full monetization of its economy, CHAN provides a practical case of how public events can generate private sector growth.
The launch also unveiled the official tournament website, the Uganda Cranes’ new team kit, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) logo, signaling a digital and branding push aimed at modernizing Uganda’s sports identity.
Led by First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataaha Museveni, the LOC has promised a secure, efficient, and high-standard event that meets CAF expectations while benefiting local communities.
The cultural performances at the event, featuring some of the Ugandan artists, also revealed the economic interplay between sports and the creative economy.
Uganda is positioning CHAN as a showcase not just of football talent, but of culture, music, and entertainment sectors with untapped potential for export and job creation.
In the words of the First Lady, CHAN and the upcoming AFCON 2027 present “a fresh page in a new book” for Uganda’s transformation.
FUFA President Moses Magogo emphasized the importance of regional partnerships, crediting Uganda’s collaboration with Kenya and Tanzania as vital for winning the CHAN and AFCON bids.
“We dreamed of bringing Africa to East Africa, and now we’re delivering that dream,” he said, acknowledging the crucial role of government backing in securing these high-profile events.
CHAN 2024 officially kicks off on August 2 in Dar es Salaam, with Uganda’s first match scheduled for August 4 against Algeria.
Beyond the goals, tackles, and cheers, the real game Uganda is playing is one of economic reinvention.
By harnessing the power of sport, the country is hoping to boost investor confidence, enhance its global image, and create opportunities for citizens across the economic spectrum.
In the long run, Uganda’s bet on sports as a development tool could pay off beyond the scoreboard.
If managed well, CHAN 2024 could set the pace for a new kind of growth one where football becomes a business, a platform, and a national asset.
