By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Ugandan football fans risk being denied entry to Namboole Stadium for CHAN 2024 matches if they wear Uganda Cranes jerseys customized with obscene, politically charged, or offensive messages, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has warned.
“We shall not allow anyone to enter the stadium with any offensive wording on their jersey. We encourage all fans to maintain discipline and show respect to everyone,” said Diana Nabuso, CHAN 2024 official
In recent games, some Ugandan supporters, particularly the youth, have made a habit of wearing jerseys bearing sexual, pornographic, or political messages—behavior organizers say incites public disorder.
Some of the slogans reportedly worn include: “MUSEVENI AJJEKO ESSIMU” (loosely translated as “Museveni has switched off his phone”), referencing the President’s unfulfilled promise to reward the national team for wins; as well as “Avoid Poor Women, Stingy Men Enough Is Enough,” “I Miss Sex,” “Mujomba Ju,” “Sikati Yange Ju,” “Nze Nkumba Kamu Nenebaka,” “I Don’t Need Sex,” “Quick Loan Is F*ing Me Every Day,” and “Ku Ba Maid Kwesiba.”
Dr. Denis Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Committee, told journalists on Wednesday that the move aims to ensure the safety, security, and dignity of the tournament, in line with CAF regulations.
“CAF has instructed that fans who appear under the influence of intoxicating substances such as alcohol, or display aggressive behavior towards other fans, ticket stewards, or security personnel, will not be allowed entry—even if they hold a valid ticket,” Mugimba said.
He added that security personnel at Namboole will enforce these rules strictly, preventing entry to any fan suspected of being under the influence, and warned against the purchase of fake tickets.
Uganda Cranes are set to return to action on Saturday, 23 August 2025, facing the Senegalese national team, the Lions of Teranga, following a thrilling 3-3 draw with South Africa on Monday. Ticket sales began Wednesday, 20 August 2025, at 9 a.m. online, under strict purchasing limits.
“To prevent ticket hoarding and resale at exorbitant prices, CAF has capped the number of tickets per person at three. This ensures more fans have the opportunity to attend,” Mugimba explained.
