Overview:
The volunteers were divided into the various departments as safety and security, fan services, hospitality, protocol, communication, accommodation, transport, competition venues, accreditation area and others were trained and equipped with different skills and knowledge.
Over 500 volunteers from Uganda recruited to serve in the different dockets have undertaken a successful orientation program.
An intense day-long orientation was conducted at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala on Thursday, 24th July 2025.
At least 500 volunteers took part in the grueling interactive session, under two different shifts conducted in the morning and afternoon hours.
These volunteers were divided into the various departments as safety and security, hospitality, protocol, communication, fan services, transport, competition venues, accreditation area, accommodation and others were trained and equipped with different skills and knowledge.
A team of experts led by vastly experienced sports administrator Justus Mugisha, the chairperson of the CHAN 2025 & AFCON 2027 Workforce and Volunteers committee.
Mugisha, also the FUFA first president, president of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) and Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Association (FEASSA) tipped the volunteers on the diligent roles played by volunteers to run a successful championship as CHAN.
World-over, volunteers play a commendable role in the smooth running of international tournaments. They are the unsung heroes and heroines. I congratulate you upon the willingness to take upon the roles and responsibility. Serve with pride, passion and duty.
Justus Mugisha, chairperson Work Force and Volunteers Committee CHAN 2024 & AFCON 2027
Other presenters included Edgar Watson, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
Watson’s message entailed around the bold expectations from volunteers encouraging them to be mindful of time management, working for themselves, avoiding excitement, cheerful service and preached teamwork.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) member William Fredrick Blick, a former volunteer himself on different international competitions hinted on the significance of voluntary service to the different people with the empowerment of leaders, a key front among others.
Media consultant Ahmed Bogere Masembe shared his experience and urged the volunteers on diligence.
Hajji Abdul Lukooya Ssekabira, a FUFA Executive committee member shared rich tips on safety and security with Hood Sumaya Kiwanuka handling the CHAN 2024 tournament overview.
Emmanuel Kazoora educated about the value of accreditation and its system, Hamza Nsereko Africana (communications) and Sarah Birungi shared on the delicate safe guarding in football topic.
Former Uganda Cranes captain Andrew Mwesigwa, also a member on the workforce and volunteering committee narrated his football journey that spanned for a lengthy period of over 20 years from a volunteer to a real professional.
After the orientation, the volunteers will now be assigned their different roles, presented with offer acceptance, accreditated, execute venue specific trainings, assigned work schedules (rostering and deployments), given uniforms and other guidelines as the tournament kicks off on 2nd August 2025.
The CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2027 Workforce and Volunteering sub-committee is composed of Justus Mugisha (chairperson), Rev. Canon Duncans Mugumya (vice chairperson), Hood Sumaya Kiwanuka (secretary) and different members; Ahmed Bogere Masembe, David Ssemakula Katende, Brenda Akampurira, Samuel Mpiima and Andrew Mwesigwa.
Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will host the belated CHAN 2024 tournament in five different venues between 2nd to 30th August 2025.
Uganda is in group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea and Niger.
Uganda Cranes open up their opener against Algeria on 4th August 2025 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
