The 2024 African Nations Championships (CHAN) Local Organising Committee has released a list of banned items in stadia as East Africa braces for the much-anticipated tournament, which kicks off on Saturday, August 2 and runs through August 30, 2025, across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

In a statement issued by the LOC, several categories of items will not be allowed past stadium entrances during CHAN 2024 fixtures. The move is intended to minimise potential risks, promote fan comfort, and guarantee the smooth running of matches across all three host countries.

Among the banned items are noise-making and cheering devices, including vuvuzelas, drums, whistles, megaphones, and loudspeakers.

While such tools are commonly used to energise stadiums, organisers have cited the need for clear emergency communication and crowd control as the reason for their restriction.

Noise-making items such as Vuvuzelas, whistles, drums, megaphones, loudspeakers, and other similar cheering instruments. Weapons and dangerous objects, including firearms (replicas), knives, sharp or bladed tools, fireworks, flares, explosives, gas canisters, and other flammable or incendiary materials, are not allowed.

In the list are offensive or political materials, banners, flags, or signs bearing political, religious, racial, or discriminatory language or imagery. Outside or takeaway food and beverages are not permitted. All sorts of animals are not allowed in stadiums as well.

”We urge all fans to comply with stadium rules and maintain calm. Let us show up in large numbers to support the Harambee Stars and ensure a safe tournament,” the department said.

Additionally, powder substances such as flour and baking powder are also prohibited. Any type of drinks will also not be allowed inside stadiums, including holding containers like cups, bottles and cans, and any capped or sealed containers.

“Flags or banners targeting politics, race, gender, religion, nationality or personal identity will not be allowed into the stadium,” the department said.

However, the move has elicited mixed reactions among football enthusiasts across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The fans in the region have a unique way and culture of supporting their respective teams from the stands. Among them, blowing vuvuzelas, beating drums and lighting fireworks.