Connected for Victory as Uganda’s Digital Strength Shines at CHAN 2024

East Africa came alive as the Total Energies African Nations Championship (CHAN) made history, being co-hosted for the first time by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. From August 2 to August 30, 2025, Kampala’s iconic Mandela National Stadium hosted key matches, including the thrilling third-place playoff, which was witnessed by over 34,000 passionate fans.

Years ago, experiencing Ugandan football meant being in the stadium, missing a match, and missing the action. CHAN 2024 told a different story; the roar of a packed stadium cheering the Cranes against South Africa was mirrored by thousands more streaming the game online, sharing clips on different social media platforms, and following updates on their phones. Beyond the on-field excitement, the championship showcased technological innovation, seamlessly blending sports and ICT to connect local supporters with a global audience in real time, highlighting Uganda’s football talent and its rising stature as a hub for digital engagement in sporting events.

CHAN 2024 mattered for more than just football; it was a celebration of unity, innovation, and connectivity. Uganda’s ICT revolution played a central role in enabling digital fan engagement. Internet costs, which once reached as high as US$4,000 per month in 2006, have now dropped to around US$75 per month. The government, through the Ministry of ICT&NG, plans further reductions to US$15, making online access more affordable and inclusive for citizens. This affordability, coupled with mobile penetration steadily climbing to 88% (about 43.2 million subscribers) and over 26 million active internet users, laid the foundation for seamless, widespread connectivity before and during the championship.

The Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, heading ICT operations, accreditation, and digital ticketing, ensured secure and efficient internet connectivity throughout CHAN 2025. Digital tickets replaced paper stubs, eliminating counterfeits and simplifying crowd control. Robust cybersecurity safeguards ticketing systems, broadcasting feeds, and accreditation databases, while expanded mobile networks enable real-time communication for security, protocol, media, medical, and event teams, thereby strengthening stadium safety and emergency response.

But perhaps the most striking shift was off the pitch. Platforms like X, Instagram, and the popular TikTok, where Uganda has over seven million users, 60% of whom are under 35, have turned local players into continental stars. Highlights, dance challenges, and behind-the-scenes content gave CHAN players visibility beyond stadium walls, attracting endorsements and rallying fanbases across Africa.

Uganda’s ICT journey has moved the nation from crowded turnstiles to a connected experience where every fan, whether at Namboole or online, is part of the story. CHAN wasn’t just about football; it was proof that affordable internet, strong mobile connectivity, and secure digital systems can power national pride.