Police says “No to Politicized Messages” at Namboole, outlines security measures for Cranes vs Guinea

Kampala, (UG):– The Uganda Police Force has issued a stern warning barring any form of political messaging for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Uganda Cranes and Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Speaking to the media at a pre-match briefing held at Namboole on Monday, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango emphasized that security measures have been tightened to ensure a smooth and incident-free match, urging fans to stay clear of political activities within the stadium premises.

“This is a political season, and people have started campaigning, sending out posters and messages. But I want to tell you that tomorrow, we shall not allow any political message in the stadium—whether it is a poster, a placard, a banner, or any form of messaging,” Onyango stated.

“Security personnel will be conducting thorough checks, and any individuals found in violation of this directive will be removed,” he added, cautioning politicians against deploying their agents to distribute or display campaign materials, warning that any such actions would be met with strict enforcement.

Security Measures Tightened for the Game

The security forces, working in collaboration with FUFA’s National Safety and Security Department, outlined key guidelines for fans attending the match. Among the measures put in place:

1. Only authorized vehicles with designated stickers will be allowed access to the stadium. A yellow sticker grants access inside the stadium for vehicles, while a blue sticker allows parking in designated areas outside.
2. Firearms will not be permitted in the stadium, even for members of the armed forces. Designated deposit areas for security personnel’s weapons will be available outside the stadium.
3. No bottles will be allowed inside; drinks and any form of beverages inside the stadium must be in disposable cups.
4. Any sharp objects, including knives, screwdrivers, or any potential weapons, will be confiscated at security checkpoints.
5. Fake tickets will be detected using scanners, and those found with counterfeit passes will be arrested and prosecuted.

Call for Orderly Conduct and Safe Transportation

Police and FUFA also called upon fans to embrace the use of public transport where possible, as parking spaces within the stadium will be restricted to those with official access stickers.

Officials say stadium gates will open from 1 PM to facilitate smooth entry, while vendors have been allocated special entry points, expected to access the stadium by 9 AM.

Additionally, security forces have also put in place measures to curb crime, with officers deployed at various strategic points, including areas notorious for theft around Jokers and the Nasanga gate.

Mr Onyango assured fans of their safety, stating that security teams will be on duty until the last person leaves the stadium. “We guarantee the safety of fans. We shall be on duty before, during, and after the match to ensure that everyone leaves without incident,” he stated.

“Tomorrow is about football. We encourage all Ugandans to come, enjoy the match, and cheer for our team as they aim for victory,” the KMP Publicist concluded.