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Uganda national football team facts for kids

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Uganda
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s) The Cranes
Association Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA)
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation CECAFA (East & Central Africa)
Head coach Paul Put
Captain Khalid Aucho
Most caps Godfrey Walusimbi (105)
Top scorer Emmanuel Okwi (28)
Home stadium Mandela National Stadium
FIFA code UGA
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 77 Decrease 2 (7 February 2019)
Highest 62 (January 2016)
Lowest 152 (July 2002)
Elo ranking
Current 87 Increase 4 (3 March 2019)
Highest 40 (March 1978)
Lowest 129 (June 2005)
First international
 Kenya 1–1 Uganda 
(Nairobi, Kenya; 1 May 1926)
Biggest win
 Uganda 13–1 Kenya 
(Uganda; 14 December 1932)
Biggest defeat
 Egypt 6–0 Uganda 
(Alexandria, Egypt; 30 July 1995)
 Tunisia 6–0 Uganda 
(Tunis, Tunisia; 28 February 1999)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances 8 (first in 1962)
Best result Runners-up (1978)
African Nations Championship
Appearances 6 (first in 2011)
Best result Group stage (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances 1 (first in 2019)
Best result Quarter-finals (2019)
Website fufa.co.ug

The Uganda national football team, also known as The Uganda Cranes, represents Uganda in international football. The team is managed by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).

History of The Uganda Cranes

The Uganda Cranes played their first game on May 1, 1926. They drew 1–1 against Kenya.

Early Africa Cup of Nations Appearances

In 1962, Uganda played in their first Africa Cup of Nations tournament. This was the third time the tournament was held. Only four teams competed that year. The Cranes lost in the semi-finals to the United Arab Republic. They then lost the third-place match to Tunisia.

The Cranes returned to the Africa Cup of Nations in 1974. They were eliminated in the first round. They lost to Egypt and Zambia. They had one draw against Ivory Coast. In 1976, they were again eliminated early. They lost to Ethiopia, Egypt, and Guinea.

Reaching the Final in 1978

The 1978 Africa Cup of Nations was a big moment for the Cranes. They finished second in their group. They beat the Republic of Congo (3–1) and Morocco (3–0). They lost 3–1 to Tunisia. In the semi-finals, they beat Nigeria (2–1). In the final match, they were defeated by Ghana (2–0). This was their best performance ever in the tournament.

Recent Tournament Qualifications

After 39 years, the Cranes qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations again in 2017. They were eliminated in the first round. They had two 1–0 losses to Ghana and Egypt. They also had a 1–1 draw against Mali.

For the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, the Cranes did well. They beat Togo 4–0 overall. They were in a group with Egypt, Ghana, and the Republic of Congo. They finished with 9 points. This was not enough to qualify, as Egypt finished first with 13 points.

In the qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the Cranes played well. They qualified easily against Tanzania, Cape Verde, and Lesotho. In the main competition, they beat DR Congo 2–0. This was their first win in the tournament in 41 years. They drew 1–1 with Zimbabwe. They lost 2–0 to the host team, Egypt. They finished second in their group. They were eliminated in the Round of 16 by Senegal (1–0). The team qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after South Sudan beat Congo on November 14, 2024.

Recent Match Results

This section shows the results of matches played in the last year. It also includes any future matches that are planned.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2024 Matches

In 2024, Uganda played several friendly matches and World Cup qualifiers. They won against Kuwait (2–0) and Botswana (1–0). They drew with Ghana (2–2) and South Africa (2–2). They lost to Comoros (0–4) and Algeria (1–2). In AFCON qualifiers, they beat Congo (2–0) and South Sudan twice (1–0, 2–1). They lost to South Africa (0–2) but won against Congo (1–0).

2025 Matches

In 2025, Uganda has played friendly matches and World Cup qualifiers. They lost to Mozambique (1–3) but won against Guinea (1–0). They drew with Gambia (1–1). They have upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique, Somalia, Botswana, and Algeria. They are also scheduled to play in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations group stage against Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria in December.

Coaching Staff

This table shows the current coaching staff for the Uganda national football team.

Position Staff
Head coach Belgium Paul Put
Assistant coach Uganda Sam Ssimbwa
Performance manager Belgium Sven De Wilde
Goalkeeper coach Belgium Gery Oste
Physical coach Belgium Mathieu Denis
Physiotherapist & Fitness coach Belgium Arthur Naudts
Video analyst Belgium Jelle Sevenhant
Team Doctor Belgium Arnaud Depraetere

Coaching History

Many coaches have led the Uganda Cranes over the years. Some coaches have served more than once. Interim coaches are shown in italics.

  • England Alan Rogers (1965–1966)
  • Uganda Robert Kiberu (19??–1969, 1988–1989)
  • West Germany Burkhard Pape (1969–1972)
  • Uganda David Otti (1973–1974)
  • West Germany Otto Westerhoff (1974–1975)
  • Uganda Peter Okee (1976–1981, 1983)
  • Uganda Jaberi Bidandi Ssali (1982)
  • Uganda George Mukasa (1984–1985)
  • Uganda Barnabas Mwesiga (1986–1988)
  • Uganda Polly Ouma (1989–1995)
  • Uganda Timothy Ayieko (1995–1996)
  • Uganda Asuman Lubowa (1996–1999)
  • Uganda Paul Hasule (1999, 2001–2003)
  • Nigeria Harrison Okagbue (1999–2001)
  • Argentina Pedro Pasculli (2003)
  • Uganda Leo Adraa (2003–2004)
  • Uganda Mike Mutebi (2004)
  • Egypt Mohammed Abbas (2004–2006)
  • Hungary Csaba László (2006–2008)
  • Scotland Bobby Williamson (2008–2013)
  • Serbia Milutin Sredojević (2013–2017)
  • Uganda Moses Basena and Uganda Fred Kajoba (2017)
  • France Sébastien Desabre (2017–2019)
  • Uganda Abdallah Mubiru (2019, 2021)
  • Northern Ireland Johnny McKinstry (2019–2021)
  • Serbia Milutin Sredojević (2021–2023)
  • Uganda Morley Beyekwaso (2023)
  • Belgium Paul Put (2023-present)

Players

Current Squad

These players were chosen for friendly matches in June 2025. The numbers for games played (caps) and goals are correct as of June 9, 2025.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Hannington Sebwalunyo (1989-05-28) 28 May 1989 (age 36) 0 0 Uganda NEC
18 1GK Joel Mutakubwa (1995-07-17) 17 July 1995 (age 30) 8 0 Uganda BUL
19 1GK Ismail Watenga (1995-05-15) 15 May 1995 (age 30) 38 0 South Africa Lamontville Golden Arrows
1GK Nafian Alionzi (1996-03-01) 1 March 1996 (age 29) 9 0 Ethiopia Defence Force

2 2DF Elvis Bwomono (1998-11-29) 29 November 1998 (age 26) 13 0 Scotland St Mirren
3 2DF Arnold Odong (1999-03-02) 2 March 1999 (age 26) 0 0 Uganda Villa
5 2DF Toby Sibbick (1999-05-23) 23 May 1999 (age 26) 2 0 England Wigan Athletic
13 2DF Hilary Mukundane (1997-12-22) 22 December 1997 (age 27) 5 0 Uganda Vipers
15 2DF Jordan Obita (1993-12-08) 8 December 1993 (age 31) 2 0 Scotland Hibernian
20 2DF Isaac Muleme (1992-10-10) 10 October 1992 (age 32) 53 0 Czech Republic Viktoria Žižkov
2DF Nicholas Wadada (1994-07-27) 27 July 1994 (age 30) 63 1 Uganda Vipers
2DF Elio Capradossi (1996-03-11) 11 March 1996 (age 29) 7 0 Italy Cittadella

4 3MF Kenneth Semakula (2002-11-14) 14 November 2002 (age 22) 27 0 Tunisia Club Africain
6 3MF Bobosi Byaruhanga (2001-12-03) 3 December 2001 (age 23) 26 2 United States Oakland Roots
8 3MF Allan Oyirwoth (2007-01-23) 23 January 2007 (age 18) 4 0 United States New England Revolution
11 3MF Enock Ssebaggala (2000-07-28) 28 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Uganda NEC
21 3MF Allan Okello (2000-07-04) 4 July 2000 (age 25) 33 4 Uganda Vipers
23 3MF Karim Watambala (2000-03-03) 3 March 2000 (age 25) 18 0 Uganda Vipers

7 4FW Rogers Mato (1998-10-20) 20 October 1998 (age 26) 34 5 North Macedonia Vardar Skopje
9 4FW Ivan Ahimbisibwe (1995-11-23) 23 November 1995 (age 29) 2 0 Uganda URA
10 4FW Travis Mutyaba (2005-08-07) 7 August 2005 (age 19) 25 3 France Bordeaux
12 4FW Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (2004-03-03) 3 March 2004 (age 21) 1 0 Uganda KCCA
14 4FW Denis Omedi (1996-06-13) 13 June 1996 (age 29) 14 2 Rwanda APR
16 4FW Arafati Usama (1998-06-27) 27 June 1998 (age 27) 4 0 Uganda KCCA
17 4FW Muhammad Shaban (1998-01-11) 11 January 1998 (age 27) 28 3 Libya Al-Anwar Al-Abyar
22 4FW Patrick Kakande (2003-04-25) 25 April 2003 (age 22) 5 0 Uganda Villa
4FW Hakim Kiwanuka (2000-09-11) 11 September 2000 (age 24) 6 1 Rwanda APR

Recent Call-ups

These players have been called to the national team in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Charles Lukwago (1993-12-11) 11 December 1993 (age 31) 24 0 South Africa Venda v.  Congo, 19 November 2024
GK Mutwalibi Mugolofa (2000-11-02) 2 November 2000 (age 24) 0 0 Uganda KCCA v.  Congo, 19 November 2024
GK Tom Ikara (1997-02-12) 12 February 1997 (age 28) 3 0 Uganda BUL v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024
GK Giosue Bellagambi (2001-11-08) 8 November 2001 (age 23) 1 0 England Huddersfield Town v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024
GK Jack Komakech (2002-07-31) 31 July 2002 (age 22) 1 0 Uganda Vipers v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024

DF Timothy Awany (1996-08-06) 6 August 1996 (age 28) 45 0 Israel Ashdod v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
DF Aziz Kayondo (2002-10-06) 6 October 2002 (age 22) 26 2 Czech Republic Slovan Liberec v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
DF Bevis Mugabi (1995-05-01) 1 May 1995 (age 30) 26 1 Cyprus Anorthosis Famagusta v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
DF Gavin Kizito (2002-01-14) 14 January 2002 (age 23) 12 0 Uganda KCCA v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
DF Rogers Torach (2003-06-23) 23 June 2003 (age 22) 1 0 Uganda Vipers v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
DF Halid Lwaliwa (1998-08-19) 19 August 1998 (age 26) 38 1 North Macedonia Bregalnica v.  Congo, 19 November 2024
DF Geoffrey Wasswa (1996-08-23) 23 August 1996 (age 28) 3 0 Ethiopia Ethiopian Coffee v.  Congo, 19 November 2024
DF Nicholas Mwere (2001-03-13) 13 March 2001 (age 24) 1 0 Uganda BUL v.  South Sudan; 14 October 2024
DF Kaka Omony (1999-10-23) 23 October 1999 (age 25) 2 0 Uganda Bright Stars v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024
DF Nathan Asiimwe (2004-12-29) 29 December 2004 (age 20) 0 0 England Charlton Athletic v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024

MF Khalid Aucho (1993-08-08) 8 August 1993 (age 31) 76 2 Tanzania Young Africans v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
MF Ronald Ssekiganda (1995-09-13) 13 September 1995 (age 29) 9 1 Uganda Villa v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
MF Taddeo Lwanga (1994-05-21) 21 May 1994 (age 31) 27 1 Rwanda APR v.  Congo, 19 November 2024
MF Saidi Mayanja (2003-08-12) 12 August 2003 (age 21) 0 0 Uganda KCCA v.  Congo, 19 November 2024
MF Allan Kyambadde (1996-01-15) 15 January 1996 (age 29) 25 1 Egypt El Dakhleya v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024
MF Ashraf Mugume (1998-11-16) 16 November 1998 (age 26) 5 0 Uganda KCCA v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024
MF Moses Opondo (1997-10-28) 28 October 1997 (age 27) 3 0 Denmark Horsens v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024

FW Steven Mukwala (1999-07-15) 15 July 1999 (age 26) 21 1 Tanzania Simba v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
FW Jude Ssemugabi (1997-03-03) 3 March 1997 (age 28) 4 1 Uganda Kitara v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
FW Calvin Kabuye (2003-03-28) 28 March 2003 (age 22) 1 0 Sweden Mjällby v.  Guinea, 25 March 2025
FW Derrick Nsibambi (1994-06-19) 19 June 1994 (age 31) 26 7 Uganda KCCA v.  Congo, 19 November 2024
FW John Paul Dembe (2005-07-03) 3 July 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Sweden Häcken v.  Congo, 19 November 2024
FW Fahad Bayo (1998-05-10) 10 May 1998 (age 27) 29 9 Free agent v.  Algeria; 10 June 2024
FW Umar Lutalo (2003-12-15) 15 December 2003 (age 21) 1 0 Uganda Villa v.  Algeria; 10 June 2024
FW Milton Karisa (1995-07-27) 27 July 1995 (age 29) 50 6 Uganda Vipers v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024
FW Moses Aliro (1996-02-09) 9 February 1996 (age 29) 3 0 Uganda URA v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024
FW Carl James Mujaguzi (2000-05-05) 5 May 2000 (age 25) 1 0 Republic of Ireland Kerry v.  Ghana; 26 March 2024

Player Records

These tables show the players with the most games played and the most goals scored for Uganda. Players whose names are in bold are still playing for the national team.

Most Appearances
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Godfrey Walusimbi 105 3 2009–2019
2 Emmanuel Okwi 95 28 2009–2023
3 Simeon Masaba 88 6 2002–2013
4 Tony Mawejje 86 8 2003–2018
5 Denis Onyango 82 0 2005–2021
6 Hassan Wasswa 81 0 2006–2019
7 Farouk Miya 79 23 2014–present
8 Khalid Aucho 76 2 2013–present
9 Andrew Mwesigwa 75 7 2003–2014
10 Geoffrey Massa 72 22 2005–2017
Top Goalscorers
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Emmanuel Okwi 28 95 0.29 2009–2023
2 Farouk Miya 23 79 0.29 2014–present
3 Geoffrey Massa 22 72 0.31 2005–2017
4 Majid Musisi 20 29 0.69 1987–2000
5 Hassan Mubiru 18 63 0.29 1998–2007
6 David Obua 16 36 0.44 2003–2011
7 Geoffrey Sserunkuma 14 54 0.26 2002–2017
8 Brian Umony 12 36 0.33 2009–2015
9 Jackson Mayanja 10 27 0.37 1988–1999
10 Patrick Kaddu 9 21 0.43 2018–2022
Fahad Bayo 9 29 0.31 2018–present
Philip Obwiny 9 48 0.19 1994–2003

Competitive Records

FIFA World Cup Record

This table shows how Uganda has performed in the FIFA World Cup over the years.

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1958 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1962 to 1974 Did not enter Did not enter
Argentina 1978 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 3 4
Spain 1982 Withdrew Withdrew
Mexico 1986 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 1 3
Italy 1990 2 1 0 1 2 3
United States 1994 Withdrew during qualifying Withdrew during qualifying
France 1998 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 1 5
South Korea Japan 2002 2 0 1 1 4 7
Germany 2006 12 3 2 7 10 18
South Africa 2010 6 3 1 2 8 9
Brazil 2014 6 2 2 2 5 6
Russia 2018 8 4 3 1 7 2
Qatar 2022 6 2 3 1 3 2
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 6 3 0 3 6 7
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 54 20 12 22 50 66

Honours

Continental Achievements

Regional Achievements

  • CECAFA Cup
    • Med 1.png Champions (15): 1973, 1976, 1977, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019
    • Med 2.png Runners-up (5): 1974, 1982, 1994, 1995, 2000
    • Med 3.png Third-place (7): 1983, 1984, 1987, 1991, 2007, 2010, 2017

Awards

  • African National Team of the Year: 2016

Summary of Medals

Senior Competitions 1 2 3 Total
CAF African Cup of Nations 0 1 0 1
Total 0 1 0 1

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Uganda para niños

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