Category: Uganda Cranes

Where passion meets purpose, it is the fans who breathe life into the beautiful game. Their cheers echo louder than any whistle, their presence turning stadiums into sanctuaries of dreams.

Without fans, sport is just motion, no emotion, no fire. They are the pulse that keeps the game alive, lifting teams with cheers, challenging with critiques, and standing tall in both triumph and tears. Whether rallying resources or roaring from the terraces, fans turn matches into memories and moments into magic.

As East Africa hosts the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), a precursor to the AFCON 2027 tournament, the different fans are ready and roaring to support their respective teams in the box.

For Uganda Cranes winger Arafat Usama, the power of fans in a tournament like CHAN is crystal clear.

“Fans are an added advantage. We need them,” Usama told the media at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole training ground on Tuesday afternoon.

Usama, a left-footed winger who features at KCCA Football Club in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, is humbled for being among the pool of players who made the 25-man final squad.

“It is a blessing to be part of the team,” he smiled. “This is a result of hard work and I am ready to give my best in the championship.”

Usama has set personal and team targets at CHAN 2024.

“We are working towards qualification out of the group. Personally and as a team, we believe that we can make it,” Usama confidently stated.

Joining Usama in the plea to fans is now his teammate at KCCA FC Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who recently signed from Uganda Premier League side URA FC.

Ahimbisibwe, who scored 16 goals last season earned his place in the Cranes’ CHAN squad through consistent form, emphasized the importance of home support as Uganda prepares to face top-tier continental opposition.

“We are well-prepared and ready to compete, and having our fans behind us will push us even harder,” Ahimbisibwe shared. “I call upon all Ugandans to come in big numbers and fill Namboole. Your presence gives us energy, belief, and confidence.”

Reflecting on the recent Trination Invitational Tournament experience in Arusha Tanzania, where Uganda played against Tanzania and Senegal, Ahimbisibwe described it as a pivotal step in their preparation.

“Those games were a great learning curve. We faced different styles of play, and that exposed us to what we expect at CHAN. It helped us bond more as a team and sharpen our tactical discipline,” he added.

Promising to give his all, Ahimbisibwe assured the fans of committed performances.

“Personally, I promise to deliver. I’ve prepared well, and I’m hungry to score and contribute to the team’s success. With the fans beside us, we can achieve something special together at home,” he declared.

Uganda is pooled in Group C alongside two West African countries Guinea and Niger, North African giants Algeria, and Southern Africa’s South Africa.

Niger became the first team to arrive in Uganda, touching down at Entebbe International Airport on Tuesday, 29th July 2025.

Uganda Cranes open their campaign against Algeria on Monday, 4th August 2025, followed by a clash with Guinea on Friday, 8th August.

The third game comes on Monday, 11th August against Niger, and the final group stage encounter will be against South Africa on Monday, 18th August all at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole under floodlights.

CHAN 2024 – Uganda Cranes Group C Fixtures (All at Namboole, 8:00 PM):

Monday, 4th August: Uganda vs Algeria
Friday, 8th August: Guinea vs Uganda
Monday, 11th August: Uganda vs Niger
Monday, 18th August: South Africa vs Uganda

The CHAN tournament, now in its 8th edition, features players solely from domestic leagues and will be played from 2nd to 30th August 2025 across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, a first-ever tri-nation hosting that underlines East Africa’s growing football credentials.

Training session – Tuesday 29th July 2024

As the countdown to the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament continues, optimism runs high in the Uganda Cranes camp. Defender Gavin Kizito Mugweri and forward Emmanuel Anyama have shared their thoughts ahead of the tournament expressing confidence in the team’s potential to make history.

Experienced defender Gavin Kizito Mugweri believes playing on home soil will give Uganda the edge they need to break new ground at the tournament.

‘Playing from home gives us an advantage,’ said Kizito.

‘We will be having more support from the fans. We shall come out of the group stages for the first time with the fans behind us.’

The Cranes have never progressed beyond the group stage in previous CHAN tournaments but Kizito is hopeful this year will be different.

‘First of all, I want to contribute to the team to see that we come out of the group stages for the first time in the CHAN tournament and then we see what goes on.’

For forward Emmanuel Anyama, CHAN 2024 is a special milestone. The tournament marks his first call-up to the senior national team and he is determined to make the most of the opportunity.

‘It is by the grace of God that I have made it to the final squad,’ he said. ‘It takes a lot of determination and hard work. The target is to win. To be champions.’

Despite being a debutant, Anyama has set high expectations for himself.

‘This is my first summon and I am really grateful for making it,’ he added. ;The fans and everyone in the country should expect goals from me that can push the team to the next stage.’

Set to feature in the tournament for a seventh time, the Uganda Cranes have become regulars on the CHAN stage and is in Group C with Niger, Guinea, Algeria and South Africa.

We can’t wait for #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 #UgandaCranes pic.twitter.com/e2asdhHGgz

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) July 20, 2025

Final squad

Uganda Cranes co-coach Morley Byekwaso has today announced the final squad for the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024.

Allan Okello will lead the team as the captain throughout the whole tournament and will be assisted by Joel Mutakubwa and Rogers Ochaki Torach.

The squad consists of 25 players, including three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and seven forwards.

Set to feature in the tournament for a seventh time, the Uganda Cranes have become regulars on the CHAN stage and is in Group C with Niger, Guinea, Algeria and South Africa.

As one of the tournament hosts, Uganda gained automatic qualification to CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania. However, in preparation for the tournament, the Cranes took part in the qualifiers and edged Burundi 2-0 on aggregate, an exercise that helped shape the team ahead of the finals.

Uganda will open its campaign on 4th August 2025 against Algeria.

Squad

Goalkeepers: 1 Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC), 18 Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC) and 19 Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders: 2 Arnold Odong (SC Villa), 3 Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), 4 Gideon Odong (NEC FC), 5 Herbert Achai (KCCA FC), 13 Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), 15 Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC), 16 Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC) and 22 Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC)

Midfielders: 6 Joseph Youngman Marvin (Vipers SC), 8 Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa), 10 Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), 21 Allan Okello © (KCCA FC), 23 Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), 24 Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC) and 25 Abdu Karim Watambala.

Forwards: 7 Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), 9 Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC), 11 Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC), 12 Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC), 14 Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), 17 Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC) and 20 Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC).

Fixtures

We can’t wait for #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 #UgandaCranes pic.twitter.com/e2asdhHGgz

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) July 20, 2025

Uganda Cranes final squad for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 will be announced on Monday, 28th July 2025 from FUFA House in Mengo.

The latest development has been confirmed by the FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein.

‘The announcement will be made at 11am at FUFA Complex, Mengo. The technical team currently in charge of the Uganda Cranes will announce the squad.’

Set to feature in the tournament for a seventh time, the Uganda Cranes have become regulars on the CHAN stage and is in Group C with Niger, Guinea, Algeria and South Africa.

As one of the tournament hosts, Uganda gained automatic qualification to CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania. However, in preparation for the tournament, the Cranes took part in the qualifiers and edged Burundi 2-0 on aggregate an exercise that helped shape the team ahead of the finals.

Uganda will open its campaign on 4th August 2025 against Algeria.

We can’t wait for #TotalEnergiesCHAN2024 #UgandaCranes pic.twitter.com/e2asdhHGgz

— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) July 20, 2025

As preparations intensify for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, the Uganda Cranes squad on Saturday 26th July 2025 took part in a special media and marketing workshop conducted at their residential camp at FUFA Technical Centre Hotel in Kisaasi.

The session was led by the FUFA Communications Director, Ahmed Hussein and aimed at equipping both players and the technical staff with essential knowledge on media relations, effective communication, branding and professionalism on and off the pitch. The workshop was part of FUFA’s broader strategy to enhance the team’s public image and prepare them for the demands of the continental stage, where media attention and stakeholder expectations are significantly heightened.

Hussein emphasized the importance of being media-savvy, especially in the digital era where players’ actions and words can shape public perception in an instant.

‘As ambassadors of the nation, it is important for our players to understand their roles in communicating the right messages and carrying themselves in a way that promotes the image of the game and the country. These soft skills are just as important as what you do on the pitch,’ Hussein told the team during the session.

He also reminded the local-based players about the importance of respecting media protocols, maintaining professionalism during interviews, and embracing personal branding in accordance with FUFA and CAF guidelines. Key topics included dealing with press interviews, handling social media, dressing and image, crisis communication, and understanding the responsibilities that come with representing Uganda on an international platform.

Following the communications workshop, the team engaged in a photoshoot session and other content creation activities designed to boost their visibility and generate excitement among fans ahead of CHAN 2024. The shoot featured official squad portraits, promotional videos, and creative media content that will be used across FUFA’s platforms and CAF’s tournament materials.

The Uganda Cranes are currently in camp fine-tuning their preparations for the CHAN tournament that will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from 2nd to 30th August 2025. Uganda is placed in the highly competitive Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger.

FUFA continues to take a holistic approach in preparing the team, focusing not just on physical and tactical readiness, but also on player welfare, mental strength, media literacy and public engagement.

Uganda Cranes ended their journey in the 3-nations tournament with a 2-1 win against Senegal today at Black Rhino Academy Stadium in Karatu, Tanzania.

This was the last match in the tournament and it served as preparation for the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024. The first half ended in a goalless draw before Arnold Odong put the Uganda Cranes in the lead in the 64th minute. Jude Semugabi was fouled in the 18-yard box in the second half and Patrick Jonah Kakande converted the penalty in the 67th minute to give Uganda Cranes a 2-1 lead.

S.M.Koite pulled one back for Senegal in the 88th minute, but it wasn’t enough to take the win away from Uganda Cranes.

Uganda Cranes Coach Morley Byekwaso reacted to the team’s performance, highlighting the positives from the game.

‘We played well and concluded the tournament with a win, although we lost to Tanzania in the opening game.
We have learned a lot of lessons from the tournament but our major aim was to see how our players in different positions can connect.’

‘We want to go back home and assess areas that need improvement. By the end, we will be ready to face CHAN and we have to ensure there is no room for mistakes.’

Goal scorer Anorld Odong commented, ‘We came ready and prepared. We wanted to identify areas for improvement, and we worked on them and we still do. The competition is stiff and everyone wants to earn the coaches’ trust to make it to the starting lineup.’

Odong reflected on the overall tournament, saying, ‘It has provided us with a sufficient test. Although we fell to Tanzania, the team performed well overall. We worked on the mistakes we made in the first game.’

‘As a player, it’s an honour to play for the Uganda Cranes for the first time, and I’m happy I scored on my debut. I’m looking forward to being consistent,’ he added.

Odong believes there is a lot they need to learn and promised Ugandans that they would make the most of the TotalEnergies 2024 tournament.

The team is preparing to return home as they continue their preparations for their first game against Algeria on 4th August 2025.

Team in camp

Deo Mutabazi – Leader of Delegation, Paul Put – Head Coach, Morley Byekwaso – Coach, Muhumuza Fred – Coach, Mandon Louis Francois – Performance Coach, Koukouras Petros – Video Analyst, Kiggundu Stephen Billy – Goalkeeping Coach, Massa Geofrey – Team Coordinator, Nakabago Emmanuel – Doctor, Ssewanyana Ivan – Physiotherapist, Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager, Bashir Ibrahim -Team Media Officer and Kazibwe Ashirah – FUFA Tv Production.

Pictorial

As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) draws closer, two young stars Enock Ssebagala of Vipers SC and Usama Arafat of KCCA FC are eyeing their breakthrough on the continental stage, driven by a deep family legacy and inspired by brothers who once flew the Uganda Cranes flag with pride.

Ssebagala Following in Kaweesa’s Footsteps

For Enock Ssebagala, the journey to CHAN is more than just national duty; it’s personal. His elder brother Manko Kaweesa, a revered defensive midfielder and former URA FC captain, was a key figure in Uganda’s historic debut at CHAN 2011 in Sudan. Despite the Cranes failing to advance from a tough group that included Algeria, Sudan and Gabon, Kaweesa left a lasting impression that continues to echo through Enock’s rising career.

‘I am happy that my brother was summoned to the national team, it’s a proud moment,’ said Kaweesa.

‘If you’re recognized among over 40 million Ugandans, you must be grateful. CHAN is a tough tournament since everyone wants to turn professional and that means life-changing opportunities. I urge Ssebagala to focus, be disciplined, and score goals. If Uganda reaches the final, the entire squad will attract international attention,’ he added.

Motivated by his brother’s journey, Ssebagala is eager to step into the same spotlight and take the family legacy even further.

‘It’s a big opportunity to be called up for CHAN, and I thank God for this blessing,’ said Ssebagala.

‘To me, it’s a major achievement. My brother has inspired me a lot, and I hope to build on what he started in 2011. I want to represent my country and make my family proud.’

Ssebagala’s stock has risen rapidly. Last season, he was one of the standout performers in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League while at NEC FC, playing a pivotal role in the club’s impressive second-place finish in their debut top-flight campaign. His performances earned him a move to Vipers SC and subsequently a place on the national radar.

Although he didn’t feature during Uganda’s CHAN qualifying doubleheader against Burundi last December, he remained patient. That patience paid off with a senior Cranes debut in a recent friendly against Gambia, where he came on as a substitute for Bobosi Byaruhanga in a game that ended 1-1. It was an emotional and proud moment for the 23-year-old midfielder.

Now, with the CHAN tournament set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from 2nd August to 30th August 2025 on the horizon, Ssebagala is hungry for more, despite fierce midfield competition from players like Shamir Kimwero, Marvin Youngman, Abdu Watambala and Joel Sserunjogi.

‘God is everything in my journey, but I’ve also worked hard, listened to coaches, and stayed focused on teamwork,’ Ssebagala added.

‘That’s been key to my growth.’

Usama Arafat: Inspired by Watenga’s Gloves to Make His Own Mark

Just like Ssebagala, KCCA FC winger Usama Arafat is writing his own story with inspiration drawn from his elder brother, Isima Watenga, a decorated goalkeeper who featured in the 2016 CHAN tournament in Rwanda and the 2018 edition in Morocco.

Though they operate in different roles on the pitch, the bond is strong and so is the advice. Watenga has backed his younger sibling from day one, always urging him to rise above the noise and seize big moments like CHAN to elevate his career.

‘I’ve always believed in Usama. He’s talented and ready, but now he needs to prove himself on a bigger stage,’ Watenga noted.

‘CHAN is the perfect platform. It changed my life and it can change his,’ he added.

Usama has already shown glimpses of his quality in the Uganda Premier League with KCCA FC, and now he’s determined to follow in his brother’s footsteps this time not from between the sticks, but down the wings with pace, flair and hunger.

Two Brothers. Two Dreams. One Mission.

With CHAN 2024 fast approaching, Ssebagala and Usama find themselves on the brink of their biggest footballing moments yet fuelled by their families, driven by ambition and inspired by the legacies they hope to match or even surpass.

For these two Cranes hopefuls, CHAN isn’t just a tournament it’s the gateway to bigger dreams, with the echoes of Kaweesa and Watenga’s footsteps guiding them every step of the way.

Uganda’s fixtures at the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024

The Uganda Cranes lost 1-0 to Tanzania today at the Black Rhino Academy Stadium in Karatu, Tanzania. The match was part of the CECAFA 3 Nations Tournament, a competition aimed at preparing teams ahead of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024.

Tanzania’s winning goal came from Idd Nado in the fourteenth minute.

Team captain Allan Okello reflected on the performance saying, ‘It wasn’t an easy game. We lost today but we dominated most of the time. We dominated in the second half and even in the first half.’

He admitted the team fell short in front of goal. ‘We needed to create more chances. We needed to utilise the ones we got. But it’s a preparation game so we need to keep working hard and improve on our mistakes,’ Okello said.

Looking ahead, he remained hopeful. ‘The next game will help us understand each other better. We take the positives. Dominating a game away from home isn’t easy. Hopefully in the next game we create more and use the chances we get.’

Co-head coach Morley Byekwaso also shared his thoughts after the match. ‘The first half wasn’t good. We allowed the Tanzanian defenders to push up and that gave us problems.’

He praised the team’s response after the break. ‘In the second half we changed. We did not allow them to play and the game shifted in our favour. We created chances but didn’t take them.’

Byekwaso remains optimistic. ‘That is football. We have learned a lot and we hope to improve in the next game against Senegal. The way the boys pressed in different phases shows we are improving. If we concentrate more on finishing our chances I think we will be a better team in the tournament.’

Team in camp

Deo Mutabazi – Leader of Delegation, Paul Put – Head Coach, Morley Byekwaso – Coach, Muhumuza Fred – Coach, Mandon Louis Francois – Performance Coach, Koukouras Petros – Video Analyst, Kiggundu Stephen Billy – Goalkeeping Coach, Massa Geofrey – Team Coordinator, Nakabago Emmanuel – Doctor, Ssewanyana Ivan – Physiotherapist, Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager, Bashir Ibrahim -Team Media Officer and Kazibwe Ashirah – FUFA Tv Production.

Pictorial

The Uganda Cranes held their final training session this evening at the Rhino Sports Centre in Karatu, Tanzania ahead of the CECAFA 3 Nations Tournament.

The tournament serves as a warm-up for the teams preparing for the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.

The team in camp

Deo Mutabazi – Leader of Delegation, Paul Put – Head Coach, Morley Byekwaso – Coach, Muhumuza Fred – Coach, Mandon Louis Francois – Performance Coach, Koukouras Petros – Video Analyst, Kiggundu Stephen Billy – Goalkeeping Coach, Massa Geofrey – Team Coordinator, Nakabago Emmanuel – Doctor, Ssewanyana Ivan – Physiotherapist, Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager, Bashir Ibrahim -Team Media Officer and Kazibwe Ashirah – FUFA Tv Production.

Pictorial

As Uganda’s home-based national team steps up its final preparations for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, optimism and belief are echoing throughout the Cranes’ camp.

The tournament set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, presents a golden chance for the Cranes to rewrite history. Despite multiple appearances at CHAN, Uganda has never progressed beyond the group stages. A record the team is determined to change this time around.

Morley Byekwaso who serves as Co-Head Coach acknowledges both the intensity of preparation and the weight of national expectations.

‘First of all, I have to thank the Almighty for the gift of life, and I appreciate the coaches and players for the hard work. It’s been a tough journey, but the boys have responded well. The level of focus and fitness we’ve achieved in this pre-season gives us confidence,’ he noted.

Byekwaso emphasised that beyond fitness, the technical team has been drilling the players in modern tactical demands from compact defending when out of possession to building meaningful attacking patterns.

‘We have spent a lot of time observing player combinations, how they understand each other, from build-up to finishing and how compact they remain when we lose the ball. Our focus is on getting results,’ he added.

Leadership within the camp has also been carefully managed with experienced players like Allan Okello, Rogers Torach and Jude Ssemugabi guiding the group. Byekwaso says that despite the pressure associated with performing on home soil, the team is grounded.

‘This is our senior team, and playing at CHAN is a big stage. But we are not afraid of the pressure. We are focused on doing what’s good for our nation.’

Among the players expected to play a pivotal role is AbdulKarim Watambala, the creative midfielder from Vipers SC, who brings with him the experience of two previous CHAN tournaments.

‘We have prepared well in camp and everyone is putting in the effort,’ Watambala shared. ‘Being summoned to the national team is already a big motivation but this time we want to make the nation happy and getting past the group stage would be a huge step.’

For Watambala, CHAN is not just another tournament. It’s a proving ground for local talent and an important stage for national pride.

‘It is a high-level competition and a great platform for any local-based player. Personally, I see it as a big opportunity. I want to help the team by scoring or assisting and more importantly by encouraging the younger players who are here for the first time.’

He also highlighted the team’s focus on mental strength especially for players unfamiliar with the pressure of a continental tournament.

‘Confidence is key. Some players may feel timid at first but the coaches are helping us believe in ourselves and play our natural game.’

As the CHAN 2024 kickoff edges closer, the tournament partly staged on home turf, the stakes and the hopes have never been higher.

The team in camp

Deo Mutabazi – Leader of Delegation, Paul Put – Head Coach, Morley Byekwaso – Coach, Muhumuza Fred – Coach, Mandon Louis Francois – Performance Coach, Koukouras Petros – Video Analyst, Kiggundu Stephen Billy – Goalkeeping Coach, Massa Geofrey – Team Coordinator, Nakabago Emmanuel – Doctor, Ssewanyana Ivan – Physiotherapist, Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager, Bashir Ibrahim -Team Media Officer and Kazibwe Ashirah – FUFA Tv Production.

Fresh from helping SC Villa clinch the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League title, defender Arnold Odong is now channeling that same intensity into Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024.

Odong, who played a pivotal role for SC Villa last season with 24 appearances, believes the high-intensity training camp underway at the FUFA Technical Centre in Kisasi is sharpening the Cranes for what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.

The camp is part of the team’s final build-up to the continental event, which is reserved for players plying their trade in their home countries.

“The first week of camp has not been easy,” Odong admitted.

“The intensity has increased, training has become tougher, but it’s good for us. We appreciate it because it’s going to help us perform better as a team in the coming games. Our coaches believe a lot in hard work, and that’s exactly what it takes to compete.”

Under the watchful eye of co-coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza, Uganda’s locally-based stars have embraced the demands of the residential camp, blending tactical drills with physical conditioning.

Odong says the camp is also creating vital chemistry in the squad.

“First of all, it’s a very good thing as a team to enter camp because it has brought us all together,” he explained.

“The players are working together, bonding, getting to know each other more. We’re able to train collectively and the coaches can monitor what each and every player is doing. It’s really helping us grow as a team.”

The 24-year-old defender brings more than domestic pedigree to the squad.

Odong featured for Uganda during their 2023 AFCON qualification campaign and friendlies against continental heavyweights such as Cameroon and Gambia—experiences he believes have equipped him with insights that are now benefiting the CHAN squad.

“Moving with the team during AFCON qualification gave me a lot of experience,” he said.

 “I got to play with top players, learned from them, and understood how the national team operates. That same style of play is now being used for CHAN, so I come in with a bit of insight I can share with the squad to help us work better together.”

Placed in a tricky Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea and Niger, Uganda will need every ounce of grit, unity, and tactical clarity to progress.

“We’re home and we need to give it our all,” Odong added. “We need to work really hard to get out of the group and go far in the tournament.”

With Odong’s blend of leadership, league-winning experience and international exposure, the Cranes may well have the defensive backbone needed to make a strong CHAN 2024 run.

–

Also posted on cafonline.com

The President made the call while addressing the media after watching the team’s training session on Wednesday morning at the Prisons Stadium in Luzira.

‘As the host country for the upcoming CHAN competition, it is my responsibility to ensure our team is adequately prepared. To gauge our progress, I have made it a point to visit the training sessions. I am excited to see the coaches’ efforts and the players’ commitment. The level of energy and attention to detail is impressive and I am confident that our preparations are proceeding as planned’ stated FUFA President.  

‘I have been engaging with the players to ensure they are in the right conditions, as it is crucial to bridge the gap between office plans and on ground reality. As part of our preparations, we are exploring trial games before the competition to give the team valuable practice. We are working with our colleagues to secure these matches and provide the players with the best possible preparation ahead of the CHAN tournament’ added the leader of football in Uganda.

The boys are motivated and committed

‘I want to assure Ugandans that our preparations are progressing well. The team is motivated, committed and working hard. Now, it is up to the people of Uganda to show their support. These players are our brothers, our children and they deserve our love and encouragement. We will face tough competition, but with determination and teamwork, I am confident we will give a strong performance’

I would like to address the nation regarding team selection. As you know, players are chosen and sometimes dropped, which can spark questions like why 41 players? or why drop certain players’ The reality is that team selection is a technical process. Our coaching staff makes decisions based on what is best for the team and those decisions are guided by technical expertise.

We understand that every player deserves love and support, but ultimately, the technical team must make tough choices to ensure the country’s success. Every coach wants to win and every player has an equal opportunity to prove themselves. Let us trust the technical team to make decisions that will bring out the best in our national team.

As administrators, our role is to provide the necessary environment and resources, while giving our coaches the authority to make technical decisions. As a football fan myself, I sometimes wonder about certain selections, but the reality is that our technical team has been tasked with achieving results.

Let’s rally behind our team, regardless of individual preferences. Every player in camp is a Ugandan, deserving of our support and love. With limited spots available, tough decisions must be made. Instead of questioning individual selections, let’s focus on cheering on our team and trusting the process.

Let’s rally behind our coaches and the team. Without being present at training, it is hard to fully understand the challenges they are facing. Even as someone who has observed training today, I have gained new insights. The players may be dealing with injuries, psychological challenges or other issues that are not immediately apparent. 

Let us focus on supporting our team as they work towards delivering for Uganda. With our love and encouragement, we believe they will rise to the occasion and give their best.

We want to thank Onyango

We’d like to extend our gratitude to Denis Onyango, the former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, for joining our technical team during his stay here for holidays.

He was a Uganda Cranes goalkeeper for many years. He has graciously agreed to share his experience and expertise with our goalkeepers during his stay. We are confident that his guidance will greatly benefit our players, and they will learn valuable lessons from his wealth of knowledge.

Training Pictorial

Uganda National Team FUFA is pleased to announce the appointment of the following coaching panel for the Uganda National Team participating in the CHAN 2024 tournament, scheduled to take place in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2nd to August 30th, 2025, under the Pamoja East Africa hosting arrangement.

The coaching panel comprises Fred Muhumuza and Morley Byekwaso. Both coaches will be supervised and monitored by Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put throughout the team’s participation in the tournament.

Further technical personnel will be announced in due course, following the naming of the squad.

It is our Game, It is Our Country.