FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Category: Cranes History

Uganda Cranes return from CHAN, focus still remains to project Cameroon 2019

The Uganda Cranes contingent that played at the 2016 Orange African Nations Championships has returned home on Friday morning.

The players and officials jetted back by Air Rwanda at around 8:45 a.m.

They were received by the FUFA Second Vice President, Darious Mugoye.

Uganda drew two games against Mali (2-2) and Zimbabwe (1-1); losing to Zambia 1-0.

The Uganda Cranes team that played the opening game against Mali. In the match, goalkeeper, Isma Watenga suffered a groin injury that ruled him out of the rest of the tournament. Team captain, Faruku Miya was also injured when he was pushed and fell awkwardly on his left shoulder. He missed the game against Zambia and only returned to play the last group game with Zimbabwe

The head coach, Milutin Sredojevic has picked positives from the tournament that is still going on in Rwanda.

“I give the players credit for the display even when the results did not go the way we expected. The team had fresh blood with a few experienced players. There are some players who have the potential to graduate to the senior team as we now switch focus to AFCON 2017 qualifiers and the World Cup 2018 QUALIFIERS in June 2016”

In the 2 all draw against Mali, team captain, Faruku Miya and Erisa Ssekisambu scored the goals.

Uganda Cranes XI Vs Zimbabwe: L-R Standing – Joseph Ochaya, Joseph Nsubuga, Timothy Dennis Awany, Richard Jjuuko Kasagga, Bernard Muwanga, Faruku Miya (Captain). Front Row – Ivan Ntege, Erisa Ssekisambu, James Alitho, Kezironi Kizito, Isaac Muleme

Experienced striker, Geofrey Sserukuma had the goal in the one all draw with Zimbabwe.

Striker Geofrey Sserunkuma celebrates his equalizer deep in injury time against Zimbabwe in the last group game

The FUFA technical team will review the overall performance of the Cranes and make recommendations.

The Uganda Cranes head of delegation, also a FUFA Executive Committee member, Hamid Juma watches one of the training sessions while in Rwanda. On his right is the injured goalkeeper, Isma Watenga

In the meantime, the Azam Uganda Premier League, Uganda Cup and other local competitions will continue to be played as the national team’s detailed programme awaits to be released.

January 29, 2016
Uganda Vs Zimbabwe: Quotes from the Press conference held on Monday afternoon

4th Orange African Nations Championship, Rwanda

Group D

Wednesday, 27th January 2016

Uganda Vs Zimbabwe – At Umuganda Stadium (4 p.m local time, 5pm in Uganda)

Ahead of the Uganda Cranes versus Zimbabwe clash on Wednesday, 27th January 2016, the post match press conference has been held on Monday afternoon at the Umuganda stadium media center.

The well attended press conference had the head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic and the team captain Faruku Miya vow to play their role – win and will eagerly await for the result from the Zambia and Mali match.

Miya who has made a remarkable recovery from his shoulder injury said;

‘I am not different from the rest of my teammates. We are a unit in camp. We shall work together. We played well against Zambia. I still believe in the squad. Let’s see what we offer on Wednesday against Zimbabwe’

On his part, Micho promised a great game;

‘We shall play to the best of our ability against Zimbabwe on Wednesday. We shall play our part as we wait for the results from the other match. Zambians are led by a honorable football icon- Kalusha. We expect them to play to the best of their ability and respect the game’

Journalists from Uganda and Zimbabwe attended the media briefing.

Photo: Miya and Micho at the Monday press conference with a CAF Media Officer and interpreter

January 25, 2016
Insurance: NIC still in charge of Uganda Cranes players health

The National Insurance Corporation (NIC) which is the official health insurer of the Uganda Cranes is still in charge of the players’ health.

According to the recently signed Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) with FUFA , NIC is to cater for all medical bills incurred during the players treatment.

The FUFA Spokesperson, Ahmed Hussein clarified the issue to the media on Thursday morning at FUFA House in Mengo

NIC hasn’t failed to cater for the Cranes Players health issues, it comes in when medical bill are presented to after a player receiving treatment

This is contrary to what has been circulated by a section of the media.

December 10, 2015
FUFA grieved with the lives lost in the accident of Uganda Cranes team bus

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has joined the families of the deceased who died in a motor accident that involved the Uganda Cranes players and officials.

An clarified number of people are said to have lost their lives in this fatal accident which happened at Jammi village in Kamonkoli district ten kilometers after Mbale town .

At a press conference held at FUFA House, Mengo on Wednesday .Mr Decolus Kiiza on behalf of the FUFA CEO Edgar Watson passed on the massage to the families of the deceased and Ugandans in general.

He later wished a quick recovery to all those still in hospital.

A minute of silence will be observed before all the games of the Azam Uganda Premier league kick off on Friday 12^th December 2015.

In a related development, all the Uganda Cranes players and officials who sustained injuries are in good condition after receiving treatment from Nakasero Hospital.

“All players are better off now including myself after that fatal accident, we visited Nakasero hospital for treatment and all this was catered for by state house “ narrated Ahmed Hussein the FUFA Spoke Person.

MAIN PHOTO: FUFA Spokesperson, Ahmed Hussein (left) flanked by the FUFA finance director, Decolas Kizza at the weekly press conference held on Thursday, 10th December 2015

PHOTO CREDITS: FUFA Communications Department

December 10, 2015
FIFA Rankings: Uganda climbs 5 positions, matches best ever position

Uganda has moved up by five positions to attain its joint best position (63rd) in the latest FIFA Coca Cola World rankings for the month of December.

Uganda’s best ever position was 63rd in 2010.

The improvement is due to the double header superb performance against Togo on October 12th and 15th in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifiers in Lome and Kampala.

Uganda beat Togo 1-0 away and 3-0 at Mandela National stadium to advance to the group stages 4-0 on aggregate.

The latest rankings put Uganda in 13th position on the African continent and the in the CECAFA region followed by Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi.

Uganda’s FIFA rankings in the last five months
December (63rd ), November (68th), October (75th), September (71st), August (74th)

Latest FIFA Rankings (Selected Countries):

1st – Belgium (1494 points)

2nd – Argentina (1455 Points)

63rd – Uganda (550 Points)

89th – Burkina Faso (381 points)

98th – Kenya (345 points)

101st – Rwanda (338 points)

112th – Burundi (307 Points)

120th – Ethiopia (293 points)

132nd – Tanzania (264 Points)

134th – Sudan (259 Points)

138th – South Sudan (246 points).

204th -Eritrea, Djibouti, Somalia, Tonga, Anguilla and Bahamas (0 Point)

December 3, 2015
CECAFA 2015: Uganda Vs Burundi – Cranes XI named

CECAFA 2015: Group B

Saturday, 28th November 2015 (1:35 p.m)

Uganda Vs Burundi – Awassa Stadium, Ethiopia

Uganda Cranes team to face Burundi in the final group B fixture of the CECAFA 2015 Senior challenge cup has been named by the head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic.

Joseph Nsubuga and Mathias Kigonya (goal keeper) are the only two players introduced who did not play in the 4-0 win against Zanzibar earlier in the week.

Farouk Miya is the team captain.

Uganda needs a victory to top the group ahead of the quarter finals.

Uganda Cranes Team line up:

Mathias Kigonya (Goal Keeper), Joseph Nsubuga, Joseph Ochaya, Richard Kasagga Jjuuko, Murushid Juuko, Ivan Ntege, Benard Muwanga, Erisa Ssekisambu, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Farouk Miya (Captain), Ceaser Okhuti

Subs:

Ismail Watenga (Goal Keeper), Shafiq Bakaki, Isaac Muleme, Kezironi Kizito, Frank Kalanda, Nelson Senkatuka, Denis Okot

November 28, 2015
CECAFA 2015: Uganda Cranes humiliate Zanzibar for opening victory

CECAFA Group B:

Zanzibar 0-4 Uganda

Uganda Cranes have humiliated the Zanzibar Heroes 4-0 to register their first victory in the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup in Ethiopia on Tuesday.

Team skipper FarukU Miya scored two first half goals before Erisa Ssekisambu and Ceaser Okhuti netted the other goals in the second half for a memorable victory.

The match was played at the Hawassa Stadium, 250 KM away from the capital city, Addis Ababa.

Zanzibar finished the game with two players less following red cards to goal keeper Al Mwadini and Yahaya Mudathir for dangerous tackles on Erisa Ssekisambu.

Uganda’s last game of the group is against Burundi.

Uganda Cranes coach Milutn ‘Micho’ Sredojevic told www.fufa.co.ug that ‘We want to play our best football against Burundi on Saturday to qualify for the quarterfinals of the CECAFA cup’

Micho added ‘We shall use the next three days to have our players recover from injuries picked up in the game against Zanzibar’

Cranes XI: James Alitho (GK), Denis Okot, Joseph Ochaya, Richard Kassaga, Murushid Juuko, Ivan Ntege, Bernard Muwanga, Muzamil Mutyaba, Erisa Ssekisambu, Ceasar Okhuti, Faruku Miya (Capt)

Subs: Mathias Kigonya(GK), Joseph Nsubuga, Keziron Kizito, Isaac Muleme, Shafiq Bakaki, Frank Kalanda, Nelson Senkatuka.

November 24, 2015
CECAFA 2015: Uganda loses to Kenya in group B fixture

The Uganda Cranes has had a sad start to the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, losing 2-0 to rivals Kenya on Sunday afternoon in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Kenya’s goals were scored by Jacob Kheli and second half substitute, Michael Olunga in the 29th and 50th minutes respectively.

Uganda Cranes team skipper, Farouk Miya hit the goal bar in the first half for arguably the best chance for the team.

In the other chances, Okhuti reacted slower to Okot’s shot cum cross in the first half and Miya missed a one against one encounter with Kenyan goalie to beat.

Uganda returns to action on Tuesday against Zanzibar.

Uganda Cranes (White) in action against Kenya in the Group B opening match of the 2015 CECAFA Senior Challenge cup. Kenya beat Uganda 2-0 on Sunday.

Uganda Cranes XI:

Alitho James(GK), Miya Faruku(capt), Denis Okot, Isaac Muleme, Bakaki Shafiq, Joseph Ochaya, Erisa Sekisambu, Murushid Jjuko, Mutyaba Muzamil, Okhuti Ceasar, Hassan Wasswa Dazo.

Subs:

Mathias Kigonya (GK), Frank Kalanda, Kizito Keziron, Richard Kasagga, Nelson Senkatuka, Joseph Nsubuga, Ivan Ntege

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes XI that started against Kenya on Sunday

November 22, 2015
Uganda Cranes return home, fans welcome triumphant team

2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA QUALIFIERS-Preliminary Competition Africa Zone-Round 2

2nd Leg: Sunday, 15th November 2015

Uganda Vs Togo (Uganda leads 1-0)

Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Kampala, 4pm

Charges: 20,000/= (Ordinary), 50,000/= (VIP), 120,000/= (VVIP)

Uganda National football team, The Cranes safely landed at Entebbe International Airport on Friday afternoon from Togo where they won 0-1 against hosts Togo in the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers match, Thursday afternoon.

The team touched Entebbe airport at 2:33pm aboard Chartered Flight with all officials and players in good health.

Speaking from Ibis Hotel earlier before setting off from Lome, the leader of delegation Hamid Juma said the players’ performance was ‘so impressive’.

He commended the Head Coach Milutin Micho Sredejovic for giving most of the Ugandan players a chance to test their various chances.

The Serbian tactician utilized all the three substitutions out of the 18 players that traveled with the team.

He (Micho) has given at least each player chance to establish. And I have a feeling this will yield more fruits.

The match ended 0-1 with Farouk Miya netting the solitary goal for Uganda in the forth minute.

Meanwhile, the team had slight recovery training at Vienna College Namugongo on Friday evening.

Their counterparts Togo arrived later on Friday evening aboard Ethiopian Airways and will be accommodated at Africana Hotel.

Uganda carries into second leg a 1-0 goal advantage.

The Winner between both sides will advance to the group stage ranking.

November 13, 2015
National Council of Sports congratulates FUFA upon Cranes qualification for CHAN finals

The Sports governing body in Uganda-National Council for Sports- has congratulated the Uganda National team composed of home based players upon their triumphant march to the the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) finals.

In a letter signed by theAg. General Secretary Mr. Nicholas Muramagi , he expressed his delight upon the Uganda Cranes victory during the CHAN qualifiers against Sudan.

‘We wish to note that this magnificent achievement was attained as a result of your meticulous planning and team work ‘ noted Muramagi

He still extended many happy returns to the Uganda Cranes team and the entire FUFA for making it to the prestigious continental show piece for the third consecutive time in a row.

‘Indeed the team has made the entire sports fraternity proud and we look forward to a better performance during the finals in Kigali. Bravo to the Uganda Cranes’ and a big thank to FUFA’ added Muramagi.

Uganda Cranes will be among the 16 teams to play in the CHAN finals due in Rwanda in 2016.

MAIN PHOTO: Ag. General Secretary Nicholas Muramagi (R) greeting the FIFA Team that paid him a visit last month.

Photo credit: FUFA Communications Department

November 2, 2015
President Museveni to Charter plane for Uganda Cranes to Togo

The President of the Republic of Uganda HE General Yoweri Museveni has fulfilled his pledge that he made when he made a phone call to the FUFA President Eng. Moses Magogo following Uganda Cranes victory over Comoros and Sudan.

The President’s support will meet the cost of air tickets for the foreign based players who have been invited for the double header 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Togo on 12th and 15th November, 2015 in Lome and Namboole respectively.

HE will also cater for the costs of the National team’s preparations amounting to USD 44,000 and UGX 70M.
The Uganda Cranes will travel to Lome on a chartered flight whose costs will be met by the Government of Uganda.

The Communication further confirmed that dependent on the results, the team allowances and bonuses of USD 3,000 per player for eliminating Togo will also be met by the Government of Uganda after the two matches have been played.

The latest development is a result of a phone call FUFA President received from HE President of the Republic of Uganda General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on 21st October, 2015.

A call from the highest political office in the country came along with words of inspiration.
Prior to the Uganda Cranes two matches against Comoros in the 2017 AFCON and return leg of the African Nations Championship against Sudan, President Museveni made the phone call to FUFA boss Eng. Moses Magogo to deliver a message of encouragement and appreciation to the players for the two wins.

The FUFA President delivered the message during the official visit of the Uganda Cranes team while camped at the FUFA Technical centre while preparing for return leg of the African Nations championship against Sudan.

Uganda beat Sudan 2-0 in Khartoum to qualify 4-0 on aggregate for the CHAN Finals to be hosted by Rwanda in 2016.

‘I received a call from HE President of the Republic of Uganda congratulating you and the Senior team Uganda Cranes for posting wins against Comoros and Sudan recently. He wished you well in the upcoming game against Sudan and promised more support to the national team and football in general’ revealed a jovial FUFA President Magogo while delivering the message to the players last week.

President Museveni has been a strong supporter of Ugandan sports especially football where he funded the Uganda Cranes in the last campaign to a tune of over One Billion shillings.

‘We are glad for the President’s support because this is a timely intervention. We have been struggling a lot for finances on how to fund these two trips as the National team still has many more matches to play before the end of the year’ said FUFA President Magogo

The Uganda Cranes squad will be named by head coach Milutin ‘Micho’Sredojevic on Wednesday.

November 2, 2015
Pictorial: Uganda Vs Sudan| CHAN 2016 Qualifier

Uganda Cranes hosted the Sudan Falcons in the first leg of the CHAN third round qualifier.

The hosts won the game with a 2-0 scoreline despite finishing with 10 men after defender Hassan Wasswa Dazo was red carded for a professional foul.

Uganda Cranes’ goals were courtesy of two first half strikes from Frank Kalanda and team captain, Farouk Miya.

www.fufa.co.ug captured the colourful moments of the game in images.

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FUFA President, Eng. Moses Magogo interacts with the chief guest, the prime minister of Uganda, Dr Ruhakana Rugunda at the Nakivubo stadium VIP Pavilion wing

Uganda Cranes players’ inspection before kick off at Nakivubo Stadium

Uganda Cranes XI: Standing [L-R] Joseph Ochaya, Muzamiru Mutyaba, Ibrahim Kiyemba, Shafik Bakaki, James Alitho and Frank Kalanda. Front Row – Ivan Ntege Ceaser Okhuti, Kezironi Kizito, Hassan Wasswa Dazo and Farouk Miya (Captain)

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October 19, 2015
CHAN: Cranes resume training, enter residential camp today

African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2016 Qualifiers:

3rd round, 2nd Leg: Sudan vs Uganda (Sunday 25th October 2015)

Venue: Khartoum Stadium

Time :8pm (EAST)

Live on 102.1 FUFA f.m

Uganda Cranes will embark on another assignment ahead of the return leg of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) this weekend by resuming training today at Midday.

According to the programme released by the National Teams’ Officer Patrick Ntege, the players will go through some drills for recovering training at the Paradise Fitness City Gym at Acacia Mall.

The players will leave for FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru for residential camp where they will make use of the artificial turf .

The return leg will be played on the artificial turf at the Khartoum Stadium on Sunday 25th October, 2015 at 8pm EAST.

The winner over two legs qualifies for the 2016 CHAN Finals in Rwanda.

Meanwhile Hamza ‘Afriqana’ Nsereko continues to handle media related issues of the Uganda Cranes in the final leg of the CHAN qualifier against Sudan.

October 19, 2015
I’m proud of my players’ display despite defeat-Micho

Malawi 1 Uganda 0
The Uganda National team coach Sredojevic ‘Micho’ Milutin has heaped on praise his boys for the hard fight put up against The Malawi Flames in an international match played at Kamuzu stadium, in Blantyre on Monday evening.

The Uganda team lost to Malawi Flames after conceding a late goal by striker Chiukepo Msowoya during added time of the second half.

The match was a climax of celebrations to mark 51 years of Malawi’s Independence.

The Uganda team arrived twenty minutes before the game at Blantyre Airport and proceeded direct to the stadium where a mammoth crowd was eagerly waiting including the Malawian President Peter Muthalika.

‘We had challenges with our travel but the boys have had such a nice display. They were harshly punished in the last moment of the game when they conceded a goal from a corner kick’ said Micho.

‘I am not happy with the results but excited with the team’s display after some unavoidable difficult circumstances’ added Micho

The FUFA Technical team decided field the U-23 team in preparation for the tie against Egypt in the Africa U-23 Championship on 18th July in Alexandria.

The Ugandan contingent will return home today at 7 pm aboard South Africa Airways.

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda’s Shafik Bakaki (R) taking on a Malawian player. Despite the defeat, Micho was happy with his players’ display.

July 7, 2015
Uganda starts preparations to defend CECAFA title

The Uganda Cranes has embarked on early preparations ahead of this year’s CECAFA senior Challenge Cup slated for late November in Kenya.

Federation Vice President in charge of the FUFA Super League who also doubles as the chairman of the Technical Committee, Mujib Kasule says the team will be taken through intensified trainings twice every week on Saturdays and Sundays.

“The new arrangement is intended to leave the National League non-disrupted and that’s why we are picking on weekends”, Kasule explained. League matches are played within the week days.

Uganda Cranes are the defending champions of CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup and will be looking to winning their 14^th title since 1973. Their closest rivals Kenya have only won this championship 5 times within the same period.

The players summoned by Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredovich to under this weekly program include Ochan Benjamin, Bwette Brian and Watenga Isma (Goal Keepers).

The full backs are Wadada Nicholas, Ntambi Julius, Walusimbi Godfrey and Muyimba Yasin. The list of the Central defenders are Kassaga Richard, Kabugo Savio, Kiiza Ayub and Kisalita Ayub. Iguma Denis, Matsiko Tom, Ntege Ivan, Agaba Oscar and Nteko Derrick are the selected central midfielders.

The attacking midfielders and strikers are Kyeyune Said, Mpande Joseph, Okwi Simon, Oaki Francis, Wasswa Herman, Ssentamu Yunus, Witaba Alex, Oyirwoth Dan and Ngobi Umar.

CECAFA General Secretary Nicholas Musonye said the tournament will kick off on November 27^th and end on December 12^th.

October 15, 2013
Hassan Wasswa gets provisional license

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has issued player Hassan Wasswa with a provisional ITC to enable him take part in active football as FIFA continues with the investigations into a case filed against him by his former Turkish club.

Wasswa was issued with a license No. FSL_1301148 and he is currently a player of KCC FC. The Turkish Federation on advice from Kayseri Erciyesspor FC had earlier blocked the player’s move to acquire the relevant document on grounds that he had mysteriously gone missing from the club.

FIFA later appointed a single American judge to further study the case. The judge ruled that the player be granted a provisional playing license as the investigations proceed.

February 28, 2013
Afcon draws: Bobby says ‘its a mission possible’

Cranes Manager Bobby Williamson is optimistic that Uganda can advance to the finals if there is team work.

Zambia is a proven team at this level with a coach who is a champion too. I personally have respect for their FA President, the coach and their players. What they achieved in winning last year’s continental trophy was magnificent and everyone should recognize and respect them for being a footballing Nation.

For the Cranes however, this is a challenge we will relish. To qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations has always not been easy for us and it’s a long time coming. In my opinion this is a great opportunity. In no way am I being disrespectful to Zambia.

But for us to qualify this year, we need to beat the best team on this continent. Uganda is capable of ending the long wait and this will require a collective effort so that we pull in one direction. FUFA, the government, the press and the entire population of Uganda should stand united towards this goal.

Those with differences should put them aside for the sake of our team’s performance. It’s important that we are playing our first leg away in Lusaka. I believe this is to our advantage no matter what happens from the first leg. What we need to keep in perspective is that this ‘race’ won’t be won or lost in Lusaka but instead in Kampala. It can be us this time, believe me!

July 5, 2012
Uganda cranes History

The Uganda national football team, nicknamed The Cranes, is the national team of Uganda and is controlled by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations. They have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Their best finish in the African Nations Cup was second in 1978.

Uganda Football Achievements

CECAFA Cup :

11 Times Champion (1973, 1976, 1977, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2008 and 2009)
4 Times Runners-up

African Nations Cup record:

1957 to 1959 – Did not enter
1962 – Fourth place
1963 – Withdrew
1965 – Did not qualify
1968 – Round 1
1970 to 1972 – Did not qualify
1974 – Round 1
1976 – Round 1
1978 – Second place
1980 to 1982 – Withdrew
1984 to 1988 – Did not qualify
1990 – Withdrew
1992 to 2010 – Did not qualify

May 18, 2011