By BM
Police have arrested 12 suspects allegedly involved in the sale of counterfeit tickets ahead of today’s CHAN 2024 group stage match between Uganda Cranes and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
While addressing a press conference at the Police headquarters in Naguru this morning, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the Police Spokesperson, revealed that the suspects were caught selling fake tickets to fans attempting to gain access to Namboole Stadium.
Uganda’s national football team, The Cranes, will face Bafana Bafana in their final group stage clash tonight at 8:00 PM at Namboole Stadium.
Rusoke warned fans against purchasing forged tickets, noting that anyone found with one will be arrested.
He emphasized that tickets should only be purchased online through authorized platforms.
He also advised fans not to drive to the stadium unless they are VIP or VVIP ticket holders with valid car stickers.
Vehicles without stickers will be denied access and risk being towed if parked along the Jinja Highway or Northern Bypass.
Additionally, Rusoke stated that items such as large bags will not be permitted inside the stadium.
He urged fans to arrive early to avoid stampedes, noting that stadium gates will open at 3:00 PM.
In a prior statement, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Patrick Onyango confirmed that security agencies have deployed adequately to ensure a safe and successful match.
The heightened security comes after intelligence reports revealed the sale of fake tickets to unsuspecting fans. The public has been warned not to buy tickets today (August 18), as they could be counterfeit.
Authorities also cautioned that some genuine tickets have been duplicated and sold to multiple people. In such cases, only the first person to scan their ticket at the gate will be allowed in; subsequent scans will be rejected as already used.
For fans without tickets, CAF has designated three official fan zones where the match will be broadcast on large screens:
* King’s Park, Bweyogerere
* Kyadondo Rugby Club
* Masindi
Security personnel will be deployed at all access points and along major roads leading to Namboole Stadium, where they will conduct thorough checks to ensure public safety.
Uganda Cranes’ Group C Standings (as of before today’s match):
Based on the latest standings in Group C of CHAN 2024: Uganda leads the table with 6 points followed by Algeria and South Africa with 4 points each and then Guinea with 3points and Niger with zero points
What This Means
Uganda leads the group with 6 points from three matches, making tonight’s result crucial in deciding whether they advance or even top the group.
Algeria and South Africa are close behind with 4 points each, while Guinea lags on 3 and Niger are already out of contention.
A win tonight would likely see Uganda secure at least second place and possibly first keeping their knockout-stage campaign anchored at home (quarter-finals and possibly semi-finals at Namboole Stadium) .
