By David Isabirye

Copyright kawowo

East Africa was exceedingly honored to host the 8th edition of the TotalEnergies Championship of African Nations (CHAN) PAMOJA football tournament.

For the first time ever, CHAN was hosted by three countries; Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda as Morocco emerged champions.

In Uganda, all the group games in pool C were played at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) with a quarter final duel, one semi-final and the third place play-off match as well.

To ensure a tranquil championship, the minister of education and sports Hon. Janet Kataha Museveni chaired a competent Local Organizing Committee (LOC) that among others instituted of several sub-committees.

The workforce and volunteers sub-committee served with all the due diligence and professionalism, making sure no-stone was left unturned as work tasks were executed in a tidy and timely manner.

The media was among the sensitive dockets that necessitated a solid committed team of volunteers. Other departments included stewards, ticketing, crowd control and access, protocol, accreditation, hospitality, accommodation, sports facilities, among others.

Kenneth “Papa Ken” Muwanga, a diligent media manager at Vipers Sports Club passionately served as the media center manager at Mandela National Stadium, as appointed by the CAF Media Officer.

Throughout the duration of this championship, Muwanga virtually worked his socks off to pull off a successful championship with unconditional service above self in the media department.

He revels in every moment lived at the CHAN 2024 tournament, a dry run for the forthcoming AFCON 2027 championship also to be hosted in East Africa.

“I was honored to be assigned as the Media Center Manager by the CAF Media Officer.” He reflects.

“This was a great opportunity as person I was looking for during the 2024 CHAN tournament” he added.

Muwanga’s chores curtailed managing the media volunteers in press room, pitch side (to control photographers), media tribune, mixed zone and media center which is the collection center for all international and local media.

“At times this was more hectic because is like a news room were all media seat to do their work.” He cites.

“You have to manage order in this area make sure it is extremely clean and all property for the media is safe. Also, managing their meals on time and good enough for both local and international media” Muwanga speaks of the primary tasks at the media center.

Early preparations:

Muwanga had to burn the mid-night candle and wake up early to plan for the long days ahead, more especially during the hectic match days.

“In most cases I would be the first to reach and the last to leave the media center because you must make sure all places are in order for the next day activities.” the seasoned media practioner testifies.

He cites the sense of humanity in management where one ought to deal with several issues of the media, distribution of line ups, breakfast, lunch and dinner coupons.

“This was another experience that made everyone happy to be at the media center. Of course, there was tension in some cases where you needed to react immediately especially when the CAF Media office needed something, whilst the rest did not know it was an emergency.” Muwanga reflected.

Muwanga is vastly experienced having served at the CHAN 2014 (South Africa), AFCON 2015 (Equatorial Guinea) and optimally utilized the experience to handle the demands and expectations of media personnel, in charge of volunteers.

With other club media officers as Moses Magero Mwanje (KCCA), Winfred Musanyi (Express), Raymond Kayungirizi (NEC), Makthum Muziransa (Women football expert), Hamza Nsereko Africana (FUFA Media Services), Sharon Nakayiwa (FUFA TV) and Asha (in charge of languages), among others, Muwanga had a committed, supportive and cooperative wagon at hand.

This was a milestone achievement where we had no issues concerning media, we managed their transport which was the buses for pick and drop off during match days and always on time. We have got the necessary experience ahead of the 2027 AFCON tournament. Now, we know the demands of CAF especially for the media and this was a great experiment for us to be able offer volunteers Services for the media. Great thanks to Hussein Ahmed CAF and FUFA Media officer as well as Diallo for Guinea who guided us daily on the operations and guideline.

Going forward, Muwanga will dwell upon this invaluable experience to help him implement the operations at Vipers Sports Club where he serves as the Media Manager during the CAF Champions League matches at St Mary’s Stadium Kitende.

“I am looking forward to give the media a good environment also during Uganda Premier League matches this coming season.” He signs off.