Another icon of Ugandan football draws the curtains to such an illustrious career with the Uganda Cranes.
Denis Masinde Onyango has been the best goalkeeper I have watched in the World. For those who follow, it is not the first time I am saying this. We have always been sure that there is Denis to carry the team when it needed the goalkeeper.
He has been a great athlete, disciplined sportsman and patriotic footballer. He has taken choice to retire and we should celebrate him for the hard decision. If you asked me, he is one of those few players that should have stayed forever but we have to accept that players come and go. It is just human. Denis wanted to announce his retirement in Malawi immediately after the game but was advised to hold on for a better timing. There was always not going to be the right timing for Denis to retire. FUFA took a decision to organize testimonial matches for national team players who retire after 8 years of service or those that have put indelible marks to the team as decided by the FUFA Executive.
Definitely Onyango will have the option to take the testimonial match at the right timing.
I wish Denis the best of the rest his athletic football career and hope the game retains him to serve it in different capacities.
The FUFA Electoral Committee has released provisional results of elections conducted over the weekend at the grassroots levels in all the FUFA 8 Football Regions.
The voting exercise started with the elections at the District Football Associations and will be followed by the Regional level before climaxing with election of FUFA President and the Executive by the General Assembly by 31st August 2021.
The Chairman FUFA Electoral Committee Mathias Bwire says that he is happy with the process so far and they on course with the roadmap released to football stakeholders.
The exercise over the weekend centred on; Election of District Chairpersons and appointment of Executive Committees, District SIGs (Players, Coaches and Referees) and District Delegates to Regional FA Assembles.
The 8 FUFA regions are; West Nile, Northern, North East, Eastern, Buganda, Kampala, Western and Kitara.
Incumbent FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo has on Tuesday declared intentions to contest as head of the football governing body in Uganda.
Mr. Magogo revealed this during the Quarterly FUFA-Media engagement held at Jevine Hotel in Rubaga, Kampala.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo addressing the media at Jevine Hotel, Rubaga.
He started by indicating that the current term will come to an end in August this year and thereafter confirmed his intention to seek for a third stint.
‘FUFA elections have begun and my term as the President of the Federation comes to an end on the 31st of August 2021. I am going to stand for another term. I told you when the right moment comes, I will announce and this is the time to declare,’ he revealed.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo stressing a point.
Having assumed power in 2013, the incumbent President believes he has the experience and ideas to take the game to another level given the added benefit of being a Member of Parliament.
Magogo was elected MP for Budiope East in January to the 11th Parliament.
‘I believe we have the ideas and experience. Going to Parliament helps football because there are certain things that we can only get in Parliament. We have done our first and second phase and now we want to go the third phase which is going to the 2026 FIFA World Cup’ said Magogo.
FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo listening during the Quarterly media engagement.
The President stated that football should be safeguarded amidst the political tensions and promised a free and fair election process.
‘There are going to be very many political emotions, let us be aware of them and remain careful that football must continue to exist. Anybody who uses the politics to solve or to undermine football on the pitch, we shall stand up to them. There is a habit of politicians wanting to attract football into the politics. We shall come up and apply the rules and regulations irrespective of your political ambitions. We will organize free and fair elections and ensure that the rules are followed as they are.’
From Left to Right: FUFA 1st Vice President, Justus Mugisha, FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo and FUFA Deputy CEO-Football, Decolas Kiiza.
He emphasized that the existing procedures will be followed to make sure the process is smooth and devoid of blemish right from the District to National level.
‘There is a process. There are procedures and these have been in existence for the last ten years. Let us follow the rules and condemn those who do nor follow them. The process has already started, from the Districts to Regional and then National level. If you think you want to become FUFA President, come and stand, add value, do not distort what has been achieved. Nobody is going to be victimised for intentions to stand’ He stated.
Under the reign of Mr. Magogo as President, FUFA has registered several success stories in different areas such as Governance, football development, equipment & infrastructure, National & Representative teams, Competitions, Marketing & Communications, Finance & Administration plus Membership.
Water FC, Nyamityobora FC and Kataka FC were the biggest winners on matchday three of the StarTimes FUFA Big League, posting their first wins this season.
Kataka FC in Elgon group secured a hard-fought win against Jinja-based Gadafi FC thanks to Emmanuel Mukisa’s early strike.
Mukisa opened the scores as early as the fourth minute and this eventually turned out to be the decisive moment of the game.
Kataka FC has suffered successive losses to Calvary FC and Paidha Black Angels in their opening two games.
In the same group, the top of the table clash between Maroons FC and Arua Hill SC ended in a barren stalemate.
Blacks Power FC (Formerly Bukedea TC) secured their second win of the season by defeating Paidha Black Angels FC 2-0 thanks to goals from Gilbert Iboot and Michael Siwu.
In Rwenzori group, Proline FC returned to winning ways, dispatching new comers Terrazo and Tiles at Kakyeka Stadium.
Ivan Ocholit, Noordin Bunjo and Hamis Kizza scored a goal apiece for Proline while Emmanuel Balyejusa scored the consolation for Terrazo and Tiles.
Kigezi Homeboyz and Ndejje University FC played to a one-all draw with Robert Baluku opening the scores before Nicholas Luzige equalised for the University side.
Action in the StarTimes FUFA Big League resumes on Sunday with mathday fixtures.
The Uganda Cranes will shift focus to the forthcoming Africa 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers that will get underway in June this year.
The Cranes are pooled in Group E alongside Mali and neighbours Kenya and Rwanda.
The quest for a first ever appearance at the global showpiece will begin with a trip to Nairobi to face Kenya between 5th-8th June 2021.
Uganda will then return to action with a home fixture against Mali on matchday two. The dates will be between 11th -14th June.
Matchday three and four will be a double header against Rwanda with the first leg coming between 1st -4th September in Kigali before facing off in Kampala in a space of two-three days.
The penultimate game will see Uganda host Kenya in the first week of October and later end the group phase with a trip to Bamako, Mali between 10th-12th October.
The group winner after six games will go into the final qualifying phase that will have nine other group leaders.
There will be a draw for the final ten teams and the five winners on aggregate will represent Africa at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar next year.
Uganda Cranes missed out on the opportunity of qualifying for the 2021 Total Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Malawi on Monday.
Prior to the game, Uganda needed just a point to earn a third successive appearance at AFCON.
Richard Mbulu’s goal in the 16th minute turned out to be the decisive moment of the game played at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The striker squeezed down to head home from Peter Banda’s cross from the left flank.
Faruku Miya in action against Malawi
Coach Abdallah Mubiru made four changes from the team that had started against Burkina Faso in Kitende.
Ronald Mukiibi started in central defence ahead of Halid Lwaliwa who picked a knock in training
Moses Waiswa, Mustafa Kizza and Ibrahim Orit were the other changes made in place of Taddeo Lwanga, Abdu Lumala and Patrick Kaddu in that order.
Mukiibi sustained an injury towards the end of the first half and was replaced by Uganda Hippos captain Garvin Kizito Mugweri who made his debut on the Senior National Team.
In the second half, there were further changes made in a bid to find the equalizer with Lwanga, Allan Okello and Yunus Ssentamu coming on.
Focus will now shift to the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that start in June.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI
Dennis Onyango, Nico Wadada, Joseph Ochaya, Ronald Mukiibi, Murushid Juuko, Mike Azira, Moses Waiswa, Ibrahim Orit, Emmanuel Okwi, Faruku Miya, Mustafa Kizza
Arua Hill SC, Maroons FC and Tooro United FC continued with their brilliant start to the 2020/21 StarTimes FUFA Big League season after picking maximum points on matchday two.
Arua based Arua Hill FC, Maroons FC and Tooro United registered their second wins in row after overcoming Kataka FC, Gaddafi FC and Proline FC respectively.
The second win keeps Arua Hill top of the Elgon group with six points, same as Maroons but the former have a superior goal difference while Tooro United also moved top of Rwenzori Group with six points.
Results from Matchday Two.
Action resumes on Wednesday 31st March 2021 in both Rwenzori and Elgon Groups.
Uganda Cranes Contingent left on Sunday morning aboard Uganda Airlines Chartered flight to Blantyre for the final and decisive AFCON Qualifier against Malawi to be played on Monday 29th March 2021.
Majestic walk as players get ready for the trip to Malawi
FUFA Executive Committee Member Ronnie Kalema is the Leader of the Delegation but FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo, 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha and Executive Committee Member Ariga Rasoul have also travelled with the team.
Dr. James Ssekajugo and National Teams Officer Paul Mukatabala traveled as advanced party team to prepare for the arrival of the team.
The 23 man Squad that was named by the head coach Abdallah Mubiru and travelled today has;
Placon Uganda Limited has on Friday continued with its financial support towards sports in the country by coming on board as the official paint partner of the famous Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The two-year deal worth UG 132 Million Shillings was confirmed during the press briefing held at the company’s head offices on 2nd Street, Industrial Area in Kampala.
While unveiling the package, Santosh Gumte, the Plascon Uganda Managing Director indicated that this partnership confirms their commitment towards promoting sports in Uganda.
Plascon Uganda Limited Managing Director, Santosh Gumte (R) speaking to the media
‘This is yet another opportunity to show our commitment towards supporting sports in Uganda. We recently signed a deal with Vipers SC and also have a team in the Rugby League’ said Santosh
‘We are proud to come on board as the official paint partner of a tournament that has been in existence since the 70s’ added Santosh.
FUFA 3rd Vice President Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi lauded Plascon for coming on board and believes this is a great addition to football.
‘This is good news for Ugandan football and as FUFA, we warmly welcome Plascon on board. The stanbic Uganda Cup is a prestigious tournament that will even get better with this partnership’ stated Hon. Nakiwala
FUFA 3rd Vice President. Hon. Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi.
Nakiwala confirmed that with Plascon coming on board, there will be an increase in this year’s prize money from UGX132M to UGX 166M
The winners of the Stanbic Uganda Cup will now earn a cash prize of 50M, an increase from the UGX 30M that has been in place.
Below is the breakdown (in UGX)
Winner – 50M Runners Up – 20M Semifinalists – 12M each Quarterfinalistals –6M each Round of 16 – 3M each Round of 32 – 1.5M each
FUFA Deputy CEO- Services, Humphrey Mandu who also graced the occasion believes such partnerships are indicators of progress for domestic competitions.
FUFA Deputy CEO-Services, Humphrey Mandu speaking at the unveiling of the parnership
‘We are happy to welcome Plascon on board as the official paint partner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup. This is an indicator of progress in our domestic competitions, being able to attract the corporate world’ noted Mandu
FUFA Competitions Director, Hajjat Aisha Nalule confirmed that there will be changes in the playing format this year due to the challenges brought about by COVID-19.
FUFA Competitions Director, Hajjati Aisha Nalule explaining the change in playing format.
‘We have made changes in the playing format and also reduced on the number of teams taking part in this year’s edition because of COVID-19. The tournament will start at the round of 32 with only teams from the Uganda Premier League and FUFA Big League taking part,’ confirmed Nalule before adding that;
‘Matches will be played on a home and away basis with exception of the final’
The 2021 Uganda Cup edition is expected to kick off on Monday, April 5 with the final slated July 24, 2021 at a venue yet to be confirmed.
The winner of the Stanbic Uganda Cup represents Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The 2021 FUFA Electoral road map was released by the Chairman
Exercise to start with Civic education for Presiding Officers
Elections will be held at the DFAs and Regional levels
There will be polls for the 8 Special Interest Groups
Election of FUFA President and the Executive Committee will be conducted as per the FUFA Statutes before or on 31st August
The FUFA Electoral Committee has on Thursday issued the road map for the forthcoming 2021 FUFA elections.
The road map was released by the FUFA Electoral Committee Chairman, Mathias Bwire alongside his Vice Joram Katende, Committee Members Ritah Aliguma and Richard Mpaka in the presence of FUFA Legal Manager, Dennis Lukambi who represented the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.
L-R: Ritah Aliguma a member of the FUFA Electoral Committee, Mathias Bwire the Chairman of the Committee and his Vice Joram Katende together with FUFA Legal Manager Dennis Lukambi.
According to the road map, the Electoral activities will run between 25th March to the day the FUFA President and Executive is elected before or on 31st August 2021.
It should be noted that the FUFA President and Executive must be elected by by 31st August as per FUFA Statutes.
FUFA Electoral Committee Chairman, Mathias Bwire.
‘We have started the FUFA Electoral exercise by releasing the road map today. There are several activities lined up including Civic education, display of registers, nomination process, election and declaration of results from the District Football Associations (DFAs), Regional Football Associations (RFA) to the FUFA Executive Committee’ confirmed Bwire.
Lukambi indicated that the FUFA Electoral road map and the entire process was approved by FIFA.
‘The elections will be guided by the FUFA Statutes , Electoral Code and Guidelines. The FUFA Statutes and Electoral Code were approved by FIFA and given the greenlight within which elections should proceed’ stated Lukambi-the FIFA trained football Lawyer.
FUFA Legal Manager, Dennis Lukambi
The FUFA Legal Manager further stipulated that the process will be free, fair and whoever is eligible will take part in the process.
‘The grassroot process has started and whoever is eligible and interested in activities of the game is welcome at any electoral position if they meet the set standards’ added Lukambi.
Important notes
The FUFA Executive Committee must have at least two Female Members
Of the 6 delegates that represent each of the 8 FUFA Regions, one must be Female.
The Ordinary FUFA General Assembly is the Supreme and Legislative body of football in Uganda.
FUFA has 34 Members represented by 88 Delegates in the Assembly
Below is the full 2021 FUFA Electoral road map Click here
Uganda Cranes assistant coach Abdallah Mubiru is optimistic that the team can seal qualification away against Malawi on Monday next week.
Mubiru who was in charge of the game in the absence of head coach Johnathan McKinstry was left disappointed that the team couldn’t secure all three points against Burkina Faso at home (St. Mary’s Stadium) on Wednesday.
Uganda Cranes assistant coach Abdallah Mubiru speaking to the media after the game
‘Definitely this is not the resulted we wanted. Our target was to win here and go into the final game in a better position but I’m happy with performance of the players. They put up a good fight and fought until the final whistle.’ Said coach Mubiru.
He was however impressed with the fighting spirit from the players especially in the second half and he is confident the team can get a positive result away in Malawi.
Coach Abdallah Mubiru and Captain Dennis Onyango after the game.
‘I think we deserved more than a point especially with our performance in the second half but we shall take the point and go back to rectify the mistakes before the game against Malawi. We now know that job must be completed in Malawi.’ He indicated.
‘Even before this game, we know that no matter the outcome, we had to secure a good result away in Malawi. Therefore, we shall use the time between now and Monday to polish up.’
Uganda remains second in group B on 8 points and need just a point against Malawi on Monday, 29th March 2021 to qualify.
Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango is confident the chance of qualifying for next year’s Total Africa Cup of Nations is still within reach despite a goalless draw at home against Burkina Faso.
Uganda played out a barren stalemate with West African side Burkina Faso on Wednesday at the St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Uganda Cranes Starting XI against Burkina Faso.
The skipper indicated that the result was not what they hoped for but was delighted with the performance especially in the second half.
‘I’m happy with the performance of the boys especially in the second half. We played better football and created more chances but like the coach said, it is still in our hands despite getting just a point today. We must go to Malawi with the right attitude and play for the positive result on Monday.’ He said.
Uganda Cranes captain Dennis Onyango and Burkina Faso skipper Charles Kabore talking to the match officials before kickoff.
‘I’m happy with the performance of the boys especially in the second half. We played better football and created more chances but like the coach said, it is still in our hands despite getting just a point today. We must go to Malawi with the right attitude and play for the positive result on Monday.’
Uganda remains second in group B on 8 points and need just a point against Malawi on Monday, 29th March 2021 to qualify.
Crested Cranes striker and U17 Women’s National Football Team captain Juliet Nalukenge has been named in Goal.com Next Generation top ten wonder kids.
The list that has ten players that were born after 1st January 2002 placed the lethal striker in ninth position.
Nalukenge, a Senior six student at Kawempe Muslim SS expressed her delight about the award and hopes it will motivate her into a better player.
Juliet Nalukenge was all smiles after receiving Goal.com NXGN award.
‘I am thankful and happy for this award. It is a big honour to be recognised globally. I am optimistic that this will motivate me to even work harder’ said Nalukenge.
FUFA Deputy CEO-Football, Decolas Kiiza believes this is an indicator of progress of Women’s football in Uganda.
From L-R: FUFA Deputy CEO-Football, Decolas Kiiza, Juliet Nalukenge and FUFA Women Football Development Officer, Joan Musisi.
‘It is a big achievement not only for the player but for Women’s football in Uganda as well. As FUFA, we have the mission of becoming the number one football Nation in Africa on and off the field. It gives us belief that we are on the right path’ said Kiiza.
Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Nalukenge and the Uganda U17 Team were on the verge of qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
She was the top scorer in the Africa World Cup Qualifiers with five goals by the time the tournament was halted.
The 2019 Airtel FUFA Female Footballer was also the top scorer as Uganda won the 2019 COSAFA U17 Women’s Championship with 18 goals in 5 games.
FUFA has confirmed plans to fly the Uganda National Team (Uganda Cranes) to Malawi by chartered flight for the final Total AFCON qualifier to be played on 29th March 2021.
Uganda Airlines will fly the team on one of its bombardiers.
The latest development was confirmed by FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein.
‘The team will fly out on 28th March 2021 aboard Uganda Airlines Bombardier. It is important for the National Team to travel with a lot of comfort during the current COVID-19 times when you need the entire team to move together for better preparations,’ he said before adding that, ‘ the final contingent will be released by FUFA.’
It will be the second time in this campaign that FUFA has paid for a chartered flight to transport Uganda Cranes. The opening fixture against Burkina Faso saw Cranes use Uganda Airlines as they picked a valuable point off the West African Giants in Ouagadougou.
Uganda plays Burkina Faso on Wednesday at St. Mary’s Kitende. The Cranes are currently second in group B on seven points.
It is full house in the Uganda Cranes camp after four players joined the team on Tuesday to bring the total to 29. These include skipper Denis Onyango and the Israel-based trio of William Luwagga Kizito, Fahad Bayo and Timothy Awany.
Onyango arrived on Tuesday morning and immediately joined the rest of the players who were conducting last training at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
Captain Denis Onyango chats with midfielder Mike Azira
Coach Mubiru is unfazed with the late arrival of the aforementioned players and indicates he has been in constant communication with them.
“We expected this. Most of them had games at their respective clubs on Sunday and that explains their late arrival. But we have been in constant communication with not only Onyango but even William Luwagga Kizito, Fahad Bayo and Timothy Awany who have also arrived today.”
Coach Abdallah Mubiru speaking the media in the pre-match press briefing.
The coach indicates that the team is in perfect shape for Wednesday’s encounter and aiming at getting maximum points.
“Everything we have tried to work on has been successful. The team is in good spirit, the players have been complying and responding well. Everyone is ready to face the task ahead of us. We are hoping for the best result in tomorrow’s game.
Mubiru insists that that game is not about him as an individual but rather an opportunity for Uganda to seal qualification to next year’s AFCON in Cameroon.
I don’t want to be selfish for this game to be entirely about me as a person. It is important for all of as a country. It is a dream for every Ugandan to see the team performs well and it will even be more important that we win and brighten our chances of qualifying for the third successive time.
Uganda Cranes Vice Captain Emmanuel Okwi indicates that the players are ready to fight for maximum results tomorrow.
Uganda Cranes assistant captain, Emmanuel Okwi (in red) speaking to the media.
‘We know how important the game is. We are prepared as players and ready to fight for the best result against Burkina Faso. The preparations have been smooth; the coaches have done their best to make sure we are in fine shape.
“I have been lucky to be part of the last two occasions when we have managed to qualify for Africa Cup of Nations but I think the spirit has always been the same. We are ready as players and hoping for the very best.”
From Left to Right: Uganda Cranes Media Officer, Stephen L Mayamba, Assistant captain Emmanuel Okwi and coach Abdallah Mubiru
Goalkeepers
Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Jamal Salim (Al Hilal, Sudan), Charles Lukwago(KCCA FC-Uganda), Kigonya Mathias ( Azam FC- Tanzania)
Defenders
Kizza Mustapha (DC Montreal- USA), Ronald Mukiibi(Ostersunds FK, Sweden), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam, Tanzania), Timothy Denis Awany (Sport Club Ironi, Ashdod, Israel), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, Democratic Republic of Congo), Lwaliwa Halid (Vipers SC-Uganda), Elvis Bwomono (Southend United, England), Juuko Murushid (Express FC-Uganda), Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa- Uganda)
Midfielders
Miya Faruku (Konyaspor- Turkey), William Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba- Israel), Waiswa Moses (SupersportUnited-South Africa), Lwanga Taddeo (Simba SC- Tanzania), Michael Azira (New Mexico United-, USA), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Allan Okello (Paradou,Algeria), Lumala Abdu (Pyramids FC- Egypt), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC-Uganda), Orit Ibrahim (Vipers SC-Uganda).
Forwards
Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Fahad Bayo (Sport Club Ironi Ashdod, Israel), KadduPatrick (Youssoufia Berrechid-Tunisia), Sentamu Yunus (Vipers SC-Uganda), Isiagi Daniel (Jomo Cosmos-South Africa).
The Uganda Cranes camp is in bouyant mood after more foreign based players arrived in the country and joined the team base at the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.
The quartet of seasoned defender cum left winger Joseph Ochaya, midfielders Moses Waiswa and Allan Kyambadde plus Sweden based defender Ronald Mukiibi have joined the team bringing the total to 21 players of the 29 expected.
Joseph Ochaya (with the ball) in training
Ochaya was part of the team in the morning at the St Mary’s stadium- kitende whereas the other 3 who arrived after training could only be part of the evening stretching and conditioning session.
Players stretching in Sunday’s training session
Uganda will play host to Burkina Faso on Wednesday 24th March in the second last group B 2021 Total Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier game before taking on Malawi in the final group fixture four days later.
A total of 18 players took part in the morning training session under the guidance of Assistant coaches Abdallah Mubiru, Livingstone Mbabazi and Fred Kajoba (goalkeeping coach).
Midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga passes the ball
The session was also followed by FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo who was accompanied by the FUFA communications Director Ahmed Hussein. After the training session the President briefly checked on the players in the dressing room as he promised to pay them another visit before the match on Wednesday.
More pictures
Taddeo Lwanga in control of the ball as Emmanuel Okwi closes in.Left-back Musitafa Kiiza in actionStriker Yunus Ssentamu charges in training
The Uganda Cranes commenced preparations on Saturday morning for the forthcoming 2021 Total Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier games against Burkina Faso and Malawi with a training session at Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
A total of 17 players took part in the session under the guidance of coaches Abdallah Mubiru, Livingstone Mbabazi and Fred Kajoba (goalkeeping coach).
Players Who Trained On Saturday: Jamal Salim (Al Hilal, Sudan), Charles Lukwago(KCCA FC-Uganda), Kigonya Mathias ( Azam FC- Tanzania), Kizza Mustapha (DC Montreal- USA), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam, Tanzania), Lwaliwa Halid (Vipers SC-Uganda), Juuko Murushid (Express FC-Uganda), Kizito Mugweri Gavin (SC Villa- Uganda), Lwanga Taddeo (Simba SC- Tanzania), Michael Azira (New Mexico United-, USA), Allan Okello (Paradou, Algeria), Lumala Abdu (Pyramids FC- Egypt), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC-Uganda), Orit Ibrahim (Vipers SC-Uganda), Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Kaddu Patrick (Youssoufia Berrechid-Tunisia), Sentamu Yunus (Vipers SC-Uganda)
Players Yet To Arrive but with club duties: Dennis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Mugabi Bevis (Motherwell FC- Scotland), Ronald Mukiibi(Ostersunds FK, Sweden), Timothy Denis Awany (Sport Club Ironi, Ashdod, Israel), Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe, Democratic Republic of Congo), Elvis Bwomono (Southend United, England), Miya Faruku (Konyaspor- Turkey), Kizito Luwagga (Hapoel Kfar Saba- Israel), Waiswa Moses (SupersportUnited-South Africa), Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna, Egypt), Fahad Bayo (Sport Club Ironi Ashdod, Israel), Isiagi Daniel (Jomo Cosmos-South Africa).
Uganda will take on Burkina Faso on Wednesday, 24th March 2021 at St. Mary’s Stadium Kitende and Malawi away on 29th March 2021.
Below is the pictorial from Saturday’s session
Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago pulls off a save in training.Striker Yunus Ssentamu controls the ball in today’s trainingYunus Ssentamu and Emmanuel Okwi (Right) share a light moment during trainingDefender Musitafa Kizza stretching Abdu Lumala is one of the players already in camp.Forward Abdu Lumala stretches in today’s training sessionMidfielder Allan Okello was all smiles in the first training session.Mike Azira (left) and Patrick Henry Kaddu stretching on Saturday.Emmanuel Okwi attempts to go past defender Garvin Kizito MugweriEmmanuel Okwi going through the passes as Yunus Ssentamu looks onDefenders Murushid Jjuko (left) and Nico Wakiro Wadada (right) in training.Players going through the paces at Philip Omondi StadiumCoach Abdallah Mubiru guides players in today’s training.Taddeo Lwanga stretches to get the ball as Yunus Ssentamu and Nico Wakiro Wadada close him down
Goalkeeper Salim Jamal during training
Experience vs Youth- Okwi and Juuko checking Uganda U20 Captain Gavin Kizito
All Uganda Cranes Players and Officials are bound by the National Teams’ Code of Conduct formulated by FUFA way back in 2017.
When players were invited for National team duty two weeks ago for the two AFCON Qualifier matches against Burkina Faso and Malawi; an air ticket was sent (for foreign based players) and a circular dated 4th March 2021 attached reminding players and officials of their obligations in line with National Teams’ Code of Conduct. This applied to the local based players as well.
Permission for players to miss from camp is only granted by the Head Coach, in this case, player Khalid Aucho had to follow the same procedure. Unfortunately, he did not.
The decision taken by FUFA against Aucho has no political inclination as claimed by the player and in some media outlets.
Selection of players for National team duty is on merit.
Aucho was dismissed from the current Cranes camp but may be considered for future National team engagements.
FUFA enforces regulations with all its players and officials of the Nine (9) National teams just like it was for goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba who was asked to leave camp for breaching the Covid-19 regulations when Uganda Cranes was preparing for the CHAN tournament.
Finally, with the current Covid-19 situation, the health of the entire contingent in camp is paramount. All players were directed to enter camp upon arrival in the country to avoid any possible spread of the virus.
