KAMPALA: The African Nations Championship (CHAN), originally scheduled for February 2025, has been postponed, triggering a string of reactions from Ugandan football stakeholders. The decision has created ripple effects across various areas, including fixture adjustments, player preparation, and economic opportunities. In exclusive interviews, prominent figures such as Bernard Bbainamani Bbambire, CEO of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League; Ahmed Hussein, FUFA Communications Director; and Rogers Mulindwa, FUFA Board Member and spokesperson for Uganda’s East Africa AFCON 2027 PAMOJA bid, shared their perspectives on this development.
Impact on Fixtures and Planning
Bernard Bbainamani underscored the challenges the postponement brings to the schedules of domestic competitions, including the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and the Uganda Cup. The Uganda Cup’s Round of 64 fixtures, for instance, had been slated to take place from January 10 to January 25, 2025.
“We will work closely with FUFA’s Competitions Department to harmonize the schedules of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League and the ongoing Uganda Cup. Adjustments are inevitable,” Bbainamani remarked.
He highlighted how the postponement disrupts the rhythm of clubs, particularly those without CHAN squad players, many of whom had released players for a break in February. Bbainamani noted the need to engage these clubs to ensure players have ample time to prepare before returning to competitive action.
Some clubs, however, view the postponement as an opportunity. Bbainamani shared a comment from one club official: “I’m relieved because I was about to pay employees for a full month with no work to show. Now, they will be paid for work done.” He emphasized that while rescheduling presents short-term hurdles, it could offer long-term benefits for clubs through improved financial planning and player recovery time.
Player Fitness and Preparations
Maintaining player fitness amid the scheduling disruptions emerged as a central concern. Bbainamani proposed alternative competitions, such as the Super 8 or FUFA Drum, to keep players in form while urging coaches to prioritize regular camps, friendlies, and structured training sessions.
Ahmed Hussein echoed these sentiments, providing insight into the CHAN squad’s revised approach. “The players will return to their clubs as the camp has been discontinued for now. However, the technical team will develop a new schedule when needed,” Hussein explained.
The Uganda Cranes will still have international friendlies to ensure readiness. “We have lined up a match against Niger in Rwanda on January 18, and discussions are ongoing for a potential friendly against DR Congo in Dubai on January 24, pending visa arrangements,” Uganda Cranes coach Joseph Paul Put confirmed earlier this week after a training session at the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
Economic and Strategic Opportunities
From an economic perspective, the CHAN postponement has created avenues for stakeholders to refine their plans and capitalize on additional time for preparation. Rogers Mulindwa viewed the delay positively, framing it as a chance for Uganda and other co-hosts—Kenya and Tanzania—to enhance their readiness.
For us as Uganda, we had played our part. This postponement is another chance for us and other sporting nations to prepare strong teams and for Ugandans to invest in business opportunities, from drinks sellers to other service providers,” said Mulindwa.
He stressed that the postponement does not undermine Uganda’s AFCON 2027 PAMOJA bid.
“The government has already allocated the necessary funds, and construction in Arua, Soroti, and Namboole is progressing steadily. The postponement reflects CAF’s confidence in the hosts. If there were no hope, the tournament would have been relocated or canceled,” Mulindwa reassured stakeholders.
He emphasized the collective responsibility of the three host nations to deliver a successful tournament. “We are a unified team. This delay allows us to perfect preparations, and for those lagging behind, it’s a chance to catch up. The business community, too, now has time to align their plans for August,” he added.
In his closing remarks, Mulindwa urged Ugandans to rally behind the national team and the tournament preparations. “Let’s embrace positivity and patriotism. We overcame doubts about the PAMOJA bid, and we’ll continue to achieve great things. Online negativity serves no one.”
Message to Supporters
Bbainamani extended his gratitude to football fans for their unwavering support of the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. “The league has been exciting and competitive. It’s still unclear who will claim the top spot, and that unpredictability is what makes it thrilling. I deeply appreciate fans who attend matches, especially those supporting night games or subscribing to TV packages. Your backing attracts sponsors and motivates players,” he said.
He encouraged fans to remain engaged and supportive, emphasizing how their involvement directly benefits clubs and players, both financially and morally.
Looking Ahead
With the tournament postponed, Uganda’s national team has an opportunity to regroup and refine its preparations. The Cranes have been drawn into Group C, alongside Niger, Guinea, and two yet-to-be-determined teams. Uganda’s seventh consecutive CHAN appearance since 2011 marks another chance to prove their mettle on the continental stage.
In the 2022 edition, Uganda narrowly missed advancing to the knockout stage following a 3-1 defeat to Ivory Coast. Under the guidance of Belgian coach Joseph Paul Put, the team hopes to rewrite its CHAN history in 2025 with better preparations and a stronger performance.
The postponement of CHAN presents both challenges and opportunities. Ugandan football stakeholders remain optimistic and determined to adapt to the changes, ensuring player readiness while leveraging the additional preparation time. Fans and the business community are encouraged to maintain their support, keeping the momentum alive for the growth of football in Uganda.
