EAC brings ideal CHAN pledge

NAIROBI, KENYA: TANZANIA, Kenya and Uganda have made a historic pledge to host the most seamless Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), yet introducing the innovative Pamoja Visa to simplify crossborder travel and unite fans and players during the August tournament.

At a high-profile press conference in Nairobi on Tuesday the ministers responsible for sports from the three East African nations unveiled ambitious plans to ensure smooth movement for players, officials and fans alike, underscoring visa facilitation as a gamechanger for regional integration and the success of the delayed 2024 CHAN.

Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Salim Mvurya, spoke passionately about the unified visa scheme, designed to eliminate border headaches and foster a festival atmosphere across the host countries.

“We will work closely with immigration authorities to guarantee a hassle-free visa entry process and this is critical not only for the tournament’s logistics but also for showcasing our region as a hub for major international events.” Mvurya disclosed.

The Pamoja Visa, named after the Swahili word for ‘together’ will allow fans and teams to travel freely between Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania during the competition, encouraging cross-border tourism and economic activities.

The ministers also committed to easing the importation of equipment, including tax exemptions, ensuring no delays or bottlenecks disrupt the games.

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Joining Mvurya were Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Professor Palamagamba Kabudi and Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang who collectively emphasised the historic significance and scale of the tournament. Prof Kabudi highlighted the tournament’s lasting impact beyond football.

“The infrastructure upgrades we’re undertaking aren’t just for CHAN,” he explained.

“They will also set the stage for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and open doors for future international events, from football to athletics.”

On his part, Ogwang said: “I welcome Africa to our countries. This will be the best competition in the history of CHAN and one that unites our people and boosts our economies.”

Indeed, major renovations are already underway: Kenya is refurbishing Kasarani and Nyayo stadiums alongside key training facilities; Uganda is upgrading Nakivubo Stadium and building new venues in Lira and Hoima while Tanzania is renovating Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and construct new stadia in Dodoma and Arusha.

CAF Secretary General, Veron MosengoOmba, present at the press briefing, lauded the regional unity and practical measures being taken.

“Visa facilitation is crucial to allow free movement, and it’s commendable to see it prioritised,” MosengoOmba said.

“This commitment sets a strong precedent, not just for CHAN, but for AFCON 2027 as well.” The financial commitment is significant, with the hosting budget exceeding 5bn/-, shared across the three nations.

Each government is investing heavily to ensure the tournament is a success on all fronts—sporting, economic and cultural.

CAF is expected to reveal further details about the East African CHAN preparations at a dedicated press conference scheduled for Wednesday.

As the region gears up to welcome the continent’s best football talent from August 2 to 28, the spirit of collaboration, boosted by the innovative Pamoja Visa, promises to deliver a tournament that will be remembered for its world-class organisation, vibrant fan culture and the strengthening of East Africa’s role on the continental sports stage