Cranes fans find fun on train trips to Namboole

On Uganda Cranes match days during Chan 2024, the excitement didn’t start at Mandela national stadium in Namboole.

It started in the heart of Kampala, at the old railway station, when the whistles of the Uganda Railways Corporation train blew. For only Shs 2,000, fans received a ticket for to and from Namboole, carrying flags, drums and vuvuzelas.

The service, which the Uganda Railway Corporation (URC) called “Tulumbe ku Gaali” loosely translated “let’s go by train” was introduced to ease transport for supporters going to Namboole. But quickly became more than just a ride. It turned into part of the football experience itself.

“The train felt like a moving stadium. By the time would reached Namboole, our voices were already gone from singing,” said one Uganda Cranes supporter.

The match-day train operated two trip especially on days that had two matches were gates whereby always open at 11am and departed in the afternoon, and it would return for another trip to pick other fans. It made two trips ensuring that fans could arrive early and return safely after the match.

A MOVING FAN ZONE

The journey which covered Kampala to Namboole via Namanve, took 30 to 40 minutes, far less than the time it would take through Kampala’s congested roads.

According to Uganda Railways Corporation spokesperson John Linonn Ssengendo, over 3,000 fans used the train to reach Namboole, while more than 900 relied on it for the return journey on the first match day.

He also confirmed that their goal as the Corporation was not to just improve the railway system only but also for the everyday use; he also noted that by the time we co-host Afcon 2027, they expect to be operating a significantly larger and more efficient network.

The train became an alternative to stressful road trips and a chance to socialize. University students, office workers, families and even elderly supporters all joined the same journey, creating a unique mix of passengers united by their love for football. Inside it, the energy was electric as fans sang songs, waved flags and blew vuvuzelas, and youth led chants, turning the courage into a moving fan zone.

“We always sang and danced from Kampala all the way to Namboole. The train was alive with energy. Honestly, it felt like the match had started inside the train,” said another train user.

Children ran up and down the aisles waving small flags, while adults banged on train seats like drums. Some fans painted their faces in the Uganda flag colors, making the atmosphere inside electric.

Many saw the train as the perfect place to bond with friends. Groups competed to see who could chant the loudest. Strangers became friends during the journey, sharing food, drinks and snacks.

“I met so many people I didn’t know before. By the time would we got to the stadium, we felt like one big family because our faces became familiar,” said another frequent train user describing how the train brought them together.

“I loved the whole experience for the Ugandan train. The ride was so enjoyable, everyone on board was filled with excitement and joy to be on. I felt to myself we need more train service in most parts of our country,” Arthur Akola Alaali, another frequent train user, said.

However, some fans recorded some unfavorable experience. James Asiimwe, another fan that used the train, argued that the entrance and exit of it should be worked on come Afcon 2027 because they are not inclusive.

The train rides also became like football talk shows. From and to Namboole, fans talked about the Cranes team, who should start, what tactics to use, table standings,and which changes the coach needed.

Everyone shared ideas, hoping their suggestions could help the Uganda Cranes win. For many university students, the main challenge of attending Uganda Cranes games had always been transport.

Taxis and boda bodas charged higher fares on match days due to high demand from the huge fan base. Also the traffic jams made the journey long and frustrating. The train solved both problems.

“On the first match day against Algeria, I didn’t have any information about the train . So, I got a boda boda from Wandegeya, passed via the Northern bypass to Namboole but charged me Shs 10,000. On returning to campus at night they charged Shs 13,000. But discussing about the transport costs with my colleague the following day, he told me of the train. I went with him for the game of Niger up to this one of Senegal, I could spend just a fraction of what I spent at first, because I always got a boda boda from Wandegeya to the train station at Shs 3,000 and then only paid Shs 2,000 to the train to Namboole.

The train really simplified my journey to watch the Uganda Cranes,” Fred Kanwagi, a student at Makerere University, said.

SECURITY AND SAFETY

On the eve of the tournament, the Uganda Railway Corporation announced that firearms, sharp objects, knives, glass-packed beverages, match boxes, lighters, were not allowed and they worked with the security operatives to ensure the safety of fans travelling on the train hence wrongdoers were arrested by the police on the first matchday.

Officers were also deployed at stations and on wagons to maintain order. The visible security presence reassured parents and students, especially after evening games. For many, it was a relief not to worry about traffic accidents, pickpockets, or rowdy behavior.

“Usually I worry about taking my children to night games, but the train made it safe and easy. My family and I really enjoyed the ride,” a mother-of-two, who came with her children for the Uganda Cranes against Senegal game, said.

The combination of safety, affordability and efficiency made the train a preferred choice for many fans during the tournament. The “Tulumbe ku Ggaali” train left a lasting mark. It showed that affordable, reliable and safe rail transform match days into celebrations. Fans saved time, avoided the stress of traffic, and joined in a unique communal experience.

“I will never forget those rides. Even though the Cranes didn’t go far in the tournament, the train brought joy, unity and excitement. That’s what I will remember most,” Ritah Atukwatse, another Uganda Cranes supporter, said.

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