By The Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) has raised alarm over a surge in counterfeit match tickets, with more than 3,000 fake or duplicate tickets detected at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, since the tournament kicked off.
Dennis Mugimba, Chairperson of the CHAN LOC Communications Committee, revealed on Tuesday that the fake tickets have not only denied genuine fans entry but also threatened to disrupt stadium order and security.
“We have seen many cases where people buy tickets unknowingly from unauthorised sources, only to be told at the gate that their tickets are fake or duplicated,” Mugimba said. “Unfortunately, noise or confrontation at the gates won’t help. We advise fans to cooperate with security, step aside, and allow those with genuine tickets to enter.”
Latest
FDC Unveils Ambitious 2026–2031 Manifesto, Promising Governance Reform and Economic Transformation
Gen Muhoozi Fires Michael Katungi from PLU Over $58 Million US Arms Trafficking Case
CEC: The Strategic Brain and Ideological Compass of the NRM
NRM Denies Sponsoring Presidential Aspirants
Govt Releases Burial Programme, Mary Karooro Okurut, to Receive Official Send-Off
NUP Petitions Court Over UPDF Amendment Act, Cites Defiance of Supreme Court Ruling
Picking Presidential Nomination Papers: Aspirants Hit 114 On Day Three
35 Arrested in Katwe Crackdown on Boda Boda Theft Gangs
Museveni Officially Joins 2026 Presidential Race as Aspirants Hit Record 121
Uganda to Prioritise E-Waste Refurbishment in Fight Against Digital Pollution
Electrician Arrested Over Vandalism of Power Lines in Luweero
Pharmacy Students Petition Parliament Over ‘Illegal’ Pre-Internship Exams
51 Individuals Pick Nomination Forms to Become Uganda’s Next President–EC
The LOC has urged fans to purchase tickets exclusively through the authorised payment platforms MTN MoMo, Airtel Money, and bank cards (Visa or Mastercard) — and to avoid buying from individuals or unofficial vendors.
Mugimba also cautioned against multiple people attempting to pass through turnstiles on a single ticket and reminded spectators to remain in their allocated sections once inside the stadium.
The committee praised fans for turning up in large numbers and delivering an electric atmosphere, especially during Monday’s matches where South Africa and Guinea thrilled a capacity crowd. Mugimba called on supporters to maintain that spirit when Guinea faces Algeria at 5:00 pm and Niger takes on South Africa at 8:00 pm this Friday.
He further commended the government for investing in world-class hybrid pitches at Namboole, Kyambogo, and the Namboole Annex, which have successfully hosted six high-intensity matches in just 10 days without damage.
“Uganda is being seen as a great host, not only for our own Cranes but also for visiting teams. Let’s keep the stadiums full and the atmosphere welcoming,” Mugimba said.
