Police pledges fan safety throughout CHAN 2024 tournament

Uganda Police Force has assured football fans and stakeholders of tight security in and around Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 tournament.

This commitment was made by Assistant Commissioner of Police Kituuma Rusoke during a press briefing held at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, ahead of the Group C matches scheduled to kick off next Monday. Uganda is placed in Group C alongside Guinea, Niger, South Africa, and Algeria.

“We welcome everyone to CHAN 2024, including international visitors coming to enjoy the matches at Namboole. We want to guarantee maximum security throughout the tournament,” Kituuma stated.

He emphasised that a coordinated effort by security agencies, including Police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), is already in motion. "We have conducted several inter-agency meetings and made comprehensive threat assessments. We are fully prepared to ensure the safety of all participants and fans during this tournament," he added.

With several matches, particularly those involving the Uganda Cranes scheduled to be played under the floodlights at 8pm, concerns have been raised about post-match safety, especially outside the stadium. Since Namboole reintroduced night games following renovations last year, there have been reports of attacks, muggings, and theft targeting fans leaving the venue.

Kituuma acknowledged these concerns and assured the public that such incidents will not be tolerated during the 28-day tournament.

“We are aware of what tends to happen after night games. We have made detailed security plans to protect revellers as they return home. To those criminals, especially the muggers locally known as ‘Egaali’, this is an open warning: we are ready for you. You will be treated to a security menu that you deserve,” he warned.

He further revealed that security personnel will be strategically deployed along all routes leading to and from the stadium to prevent any criminal activities.

“We fully understand the security challenges that large night gatherings pose, but we are well-prepared to handle any threats,” Kituuma reiterated.

He also called on fans to also play their part in maintaining safety by being vigilant, particularly at stadium entrances and within the stands.

The CHAN tournament which kickoff on Saturday is co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania and will be played across four cities, Kampala, Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.