When Dennis Denis Mugimba, Chairperson of the Communications and Signage Sub‑Committee of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), announced the giveaway on Thursday, 28 August 2025, the news hit fans like a sudden goal in extra‑time.
The LOC, led by Brigadier General Moses Byekwaso, Chairman of the LOC, has bought every one of the 28,000 tickets for the third‑place playoff between Hubert Velud, coach of Sudan and Joseph Koto, coach of Senegal. The match will be played at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, Uganda, on Friday, 29 August 2025 at 7 PM EAT.
Behind the scenes, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is providing the ticket‑verification platform, while the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), under President Moses Magogo Hassim, foots the UGX 1.4 billion (≈ USD 380 000) bill.
Background: CHAN 2024 and the Pamoja Hosting Model
The African Nations Championship, officially titled CHAN 2024Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, was postponed from 2024 to 2025 because of scheduling clashes. The "Pamoja" (Swahili for “together”) partnership marks the first three‑nation co‑hosting in the tournament’s 16‑year history.
Since the opening match on 21 August, attendance has smashed previous records: 38 500 fans watched the Uganda Cranes vs Tanzania, and 41 200 packed the stadium for the quarter‑final against Morocco. That surge convinced the LOC that the bronze‑match could also be a full house.
Free Ticket Initiative: What It Means for Fans
Here’s the thing: every ticket bears a holographic watermark, a unique barcode and an RFID chip, but the faces on them read “NOT FOR SALE.” Fans can claim up to three tickets per national ID on CAF’s website using promo code CHAN3RD. The claim window opened at 1 PM EAT on 28 August and will stay live until the 28,000 tickets are snapped up.
Why pay UGX 50 000 for a seat when the LOC is willing to absorb the cost? The answer lies in goodwill. After the Uganda Cranes fell in the semi‑final on 27 August, the organisers wanted to thank the crowd that turned Namboole into a football cathedral.
Details of the Ticket Distribution Process
- Eligibility – any Ugandan resident with a valid national ID.
- Limit – three tickets per ID to keep the distribution fair.
- Verification – each ticket will be scanned at all 32 stadium gates through CAF’s ticketing system.
- Security – 1 200 Uganda People’s Defence Force personnel and 800 private guards will patrol the venue.
- Seating – 28 000 tickets cover the South, East and West Stands; the North Stand (12 000 seats) is reserved for media, officials and security.
Alex Isabirye, FUFA’s Head of Communications, told reporters that the "free‑ticket model won't compromise safety; the RFID chips give us real‑time crowd monitoring, just like any paid ticket."
Reactions from Fans, Coaches and Officials
Fans took to social media within minutes. One Nairobi‑based supporter wrote, "This is love! Namboole ya bwerere – the stadium is free, our hearts are full." The hashtag #uganda trended across Twitter and Instagram.
Both coaches appreciated the gesture. After the announcement, Hubert Velud said, "Our players will feel the energy of a full house – it can change a game in the final minutes." Joseph Koto added, "Senegal fans are known for their passion; giving them the chance to be there for free elevates the whole tournament."
Officials from CAF praised the logistical effort. Patrice Motsepe, CAF President, remarked, "Uganda’s LOC demonstrates how football can be a unifying force. The use of RFID technology ensures integrity while the free‑ticket policy shows community respect."
Impact on the Bronze Match and What Lies Ahead
Analysts predict a sell‑out. With the venue at 70 % capacity for the semi‑finals, the 28 000‑ticket giveaway could push attendance past 38 000, rivaling the quarter‑final record. A packed stadium often translates to louder chants, which can swing momentum in a tightly contested third‑place game.
Looking forward, the final between Morocco and Algeria remains on sale at the standard price tiers – UGX 50 000 for Category A, UGX 30 000 for B, and UGX 20 000 for C. The LOC says the free‑ticket experiment won’t affect those sales.
History shows similar moves have paid off. Kenya gave away tickets for a 2018 CHAN group match, drawing 22 000 fans to Moi Stadium. Uganda’s gamble is bigger, both in scale and in the tournament’s visibility, and could set a precedent for future African tournaments.
Historical Context and the Bigger Picture
Since CHAN’s inception in 2009, ticket pricing has been a contentious topic across the continent. Many fans in lower‑income nations struggle with the cost, leading to partially empty venues. By covering the UGX 1.4 billion expense, the LOC is effectively saying football belongs to everyone, not just those with disposable income.
The move also aligns with the "Pamoja" spirit – collaboration, inclusivity and shared celebration. If the free‑ticket model succeeds, CAF may consider it for future editions, especially in host nations where fan engagement is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I claim a free ticket for the Sudan‑Senegal match?
Visit CAF’s official website (www.cafonline.com), log in with your national ID, and enter promo code CHAN3RD. You can select up to three tickets per ID; the system will confirm availability in real time.
Will the free tickets affect stadium security?
No. Every ticket carries an RFID chip that is scanned at all 32 gates. Security teams – 1 200 from the Uganda People’s Defence Force and 800 private officers – will verify each pass, just as they do for paid tickets.
Why did the LOC decide to give away all tickets?
The decision rewards the record‑breaking fan turnout during CHAN 2024 and aims to ensure a full house for a match that might otherwise see lower attendance after the host nation’s semi‑final exit.
What is the cost of a regular ticket for the final?
The final tickets remain priced at UGX 50 000 for Category A, UGX 30 000 for Category B, and UGX 20 000 for Category C, and are still on sale through the normal channels.
Could this free‑ticket model be used in future CHAN tournaments?
Experts say the success of Uganda’s giveaway could influence CAF’s policy. If the stadium reaches near‑capacity and fan sentiment stays positive, other hosts may adopt similar approaches to boost attendance and community engagement.
Tracee Dunblazier
October 11, 2025 AT 04:10Honestly, handing out 28,000 free tickets feels like a publicity stunt more than a genuine fan appreciation move. The organizers love the headlines, but the real question is whether the stadium can handle that sudden influx without chaos. Still, you’ve got to admit it’s a bold gamble that could set a new standard for African tournaments.
Edward Garza
October 12, 2025 AT 02:23Sure, because free tickets always solve security issues.
Allen Rodi
October 13, 2025 AT 00:36Hey folks, just wanted to point out that the RFID chips actually give us a lot of data on crowd flow, which can improve future event planning. If you’re a local fan, make sure your national ID is up to date before you try to claim your spot. The three‑ticket limit per ID is sensible – it prevents bulk grabs. Also, the extra security personnel should help keep things orderly at the gates. Let’s give it a shot and see how the atmosphere turns out on match day.