Museveni officially launches CHAN 2024, Akena confirms 2026 presidential bid

25 July 2025, 5:48 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

President Yoweri Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, officially launched the CHAN 2024 tournament today at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The regional football tournament will be co-hosted by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.

Speaking at the launch, Hon. Janet Museveni expressed gratitude to the CHAN organising committee for a successful event and highlighted the importance of sport for the youth.

“It is indeed a special day for our motherland to host CHAN 2024 and the Africa Cup of Nations 2027. Sport means a lot to young people; it brings people together as one big family. This is a testament to God’s goodness and a sign that we have recovered from the past. I thank the local organising committee and also extend my appreciation to CAF for their support,” she said.

The CHAN 2024 tournament will take place from 2nd to 30th August 2025, with the opening matches scheduled for Nyayo Stadium in Kenya.

The launch event was attended by several dignitaries, including Vice President Jesca Alupo, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Minister for the Presidency Babirye Babalanda, Minister for Kampala Hajjat Minsa Kabanda, and various religious leaders.

In his remarks, President Museveni underscored the role of sport in promoting health and discipline.

“Sport is an energy consumer. If you run, you get tired and have no time to think about other things. So, this is one of its benefits for individuals and for the country,” Museveni noted. He thanked the organisers and expressed confidence in the tournament’s success, citing Uganda’s stability and peace.

The Minister of State for Education and Sports (Sports), Hon. Peter Ogwang, also reassured the public that Uganda is fully prepared to co-host the championship.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the President General of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) Party, Hon. Jimmy Akena, announced during a press briefing at Uganda House in Kampala that he intends to contest the presidency in 2026.

Akena stated that, despite internal disagreements within the party, he remains committed to his presidential ambition.

“I respect the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, just as leaders like President Museveni and Hon. Norbert Mao do. That is why I will ensure that the delegates’ conference takes place,” Akena told the media.

Uganda now looks forward to hosting CHAN 2024 and contributing to the strengthening of regional unity through sport.