As the CHAN 2025 tournament continues to capture the attention of football fans across the continent, a quieter crisis is unfolding behind the scenes—one that’s affecting the very people who help make the tournament function each day.
Three local service providers—Kembabazi Catering, Spectrum, and Amagara Services—have raised alarm over non-payment for their catering and logistical support services since the tournament began. These companies have been supplying daily meals and refreshments to staff, officials, and organizing committee members under Uganda’s CHAN 2025 preparations.
In a letter addressed to the CHAN Local Organising Committee, the service providers expressed frustration and disappointment, saying that despite weeks of hard work, they have yet to receive a single payment.
“We’ve kept the kitchens running, we’ve shown up every day, and we’ve never let anyone go hungry,” said a representative from one of the companies. “But now our suppliers are calling us. Our workers need salaries. We’re the ones going hungry now.”
The letter named several key figures as part of the committee responsible for the tournament’s preparations, including State Minister for Sports and Education Hon. Peter Ogwang, William Brick, and Hon. Florence Nakiyiga.
The mounting pressure reportedly prompted Hon. Ogwang to urgently summon the affected service providers for a meeting aimed at resolving the issue. Sources close to the talks say the Minister proposed a phased payment plan, hoping to settle the bills over time.
But the providers—already stretched thin—refused to accept partial payment.
“We were promised full payment after the first week,” said another provider. “We’re not a charity. We want what we’re owed, nothing more.”
For now, the services continue, but tensions are rising. The providers say they’re considering suspending their operations if payment isn’t made soon, a move that could severely impact tournament logistics and hospitality.
The silence from the CHAN committee has only added to the frustration. Attempts to reach officials for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
For those on the ground—cooks, drivers, servers, cleaners—this isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about livelihoods.
“People see the lights, the games, the crowds,” said a Kembabazi employee. “But behind all of that are people working day and night to make it happen. We just want to be treated fairly.”
As Uganda proudly hosts CHAN 2025, many are now calling on the organizing committee to uphold the same level of professionalism and integrity off the field as is expected on it.
