Ogwang dismisses Speaker Among low CHAN publicity, hype concerns

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Five days ago, Uganda officially kicked off preparations to host the prestigious African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.

As part of a joint East African Community (EAC) bid, Tanzania will host the opening ceremony and finals, Kenya will also stage key matches, while Uganda is set to host the third-place playoff at the tournament’s climax.

However, fearing that the momentous event could be marred by poor attendance, Speaker Anita Annet Among, while presiding over plenary on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, took a swipe at the Ministry of Education and Sports (MOES).

Raising concerns over the lack of public mobilisation and preparation.

“The issues that are being raised outside there, that I got in my office and from your members, are that we, as Uganda, are lighting our candle, but the candle is kept under the chair. It is not serving the purpose. The public out there does not know that we are hosting CHAN,” Among noted.

“So, we may need to get from the minister of sports, how ready and prepared are we. This being a house of representatives, we need to get this information for us to be able to give out to the public. And, we need to create awareness of how we are ready to host, and we should be able to support our team, the Uganda Cranes. Since Uganda Cranes is the first team that is going to play,” she argued.

Speaker Anita Annet Among during a recent plenary session in Parliament. (Courtesy: X/@Parliament_Ug)

Adding that they also need the Government to brief them on the issue of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ministry responds

However, sports state minister Peter Ogwang quickly dismissed the concerns, saying that, as far as the Government is concerned, city dwellers are already aware of the tournament.

And perhaps only those in rural areas are the ones left behind.

“Honourable minister, you have indirectly pleaded with the house. That you have not done what is expected, and we will want a report from you tomorrow. And, we want evidence that this is happening, and we can also see as we move out. Because we don’t stay here. We should be able to see, as we move out, that this is what is happening. But it is all for the good of Uganda,” Among ordered.

“Most obliged. I will bring a report tomorrow to inform the house of how far we have come, where we are and where we intend to be. For purposes of the advert, we will also do it Madam Speaker,” Ogwang conceded.

Fast forward, he thanked Parliament for always being there for his Ministry and proceeded to invite them for Uganda’s first game against Algeria, which will be played on August 4, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole. The match will be played under floodlights at 8:00pm.