Fans angered after FUFA doubles ticket prices for Cranes games

 FUFA to 

By Swalley Kenyi

2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier   

June 3  

Angola v Uganda  

June 9  

Uganda v Senegal  

2013 Nations Cup qualifier    

June 16  

Uganda v Congo Brazzaville

Stands Sh 25000

Pavilion Sh 80,000

Cranes cheerleader Jackson 'Uncle Money' Ssewannyana is skeptical about FUFA's ticket charges for the forthcoming 2013 Nations Cup and 2014 World qualifier games against Senegal and Congo-Brazzaville respectively. The games are due next month.

FUFA publicist Rogers Mulindwa announced at their weekly press conference on Wednesday that fans intending to watch the games from open stands at Namboole on June 9th and 16th respectively will pay sh25,000. Those who will watch the games from the pavilion will part with sh80,000 for the tickets.

But Ssewannyana said that unless there is deliberate move to mobilise the fans to buy the tickets, they are likely to shun the games.

 Many of the fans who watch the games are small earners. It may not be easy for them to raise that money at once,  Ssewanyana observed.  Remember many of these fans are still cursing the Cranes result against Kenya (in the previous qualifier).

Tickets for the game against Kenya sold out days before match day, as those who saw a business opportunity hoarded them hiking the price to more than double. But the fans were crestfallen when Uganda failed to secure a win they needed to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup finals.

Mulindwa argued that the arrangement is intended to save fans from 'double expense' in securing separate tickets.

 Arrangements have been made to have two separate coupons on the same ticket clearly indicated for use during each of the two games. We are aware that a good section of our fans trek long distances from upcountry to buy tickets from Kampala,  Mulindwa said.

The tickets are expected to go on sale at least three days to the game against Senegal on June 9. Uganda plays Congo Brazzaville on June 16.

Tickets will be sold at Hardware World in Ntinda, City Oil refilling stations, Shell Capital, and othe Shell stations in Kireka and Ben Kiwanuka Street; Kobil Kasubi, Kobil Kawempe, Total Kireka, Total City Centre opposite Uganda House and City Shoppers Super Market in Mukono.