Uganda national football team facts for kids
![]() |
||||
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 | |||
|
||||
FIFA ranking | ||||
Current | 77 ![]() |
|||
Highest | 62 (January 2016) | |||
Lowest | 152 (July 2002) | |||
Elo ranking | ||||
Current | 87 ![]() |
|||
Highest | 40 (March 1978) | |||
Lowest | 129 (June 2005) | |||
First international | ||||
![]() ![]() (Nairobi, Kenya; 1 May 1926) |
||||
Biggest win | ||||
![]() ![]() (Uganda; 14 December 1932) |
||||
Biggest defeat | ||||
![]() ![]() (Alexandria, Egypt; 30 July 1995) ![]() ![]() (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).
Contents
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.
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.
Alan Rogers (1965–1966)
Robert Kiberu (19??–1969, 1988–1989)
Burkhard Pape (1969–1972)
David Otti (1973–1974)
Otto Westerhoff (1974–1975)
Peter Okee (1976–1981, 1983)
Jaberi Bidandi Ssali (1982)
George Mukasa (1984–1985)
Barnabas Mwesiga (1986–1988)
Polly Ouma (1989–1995)
Timothy Ayieko (1995–1996)
Asuman Lubowa (1996–1999)
Paul Hasule (1999, 2001–2003)
Harrison Okagbue (1999–2001)
Pedro Pasculli (2003)
Leo Adraa (2003–2004)
Mike Mutebi (2004)
Mohammed Abbas (2004–2006)
Csaba László (2006–2008)
Bobby Williamson (2008–2013)
Milutin Sredojević (2013–2017)
Moses Basena and
Fred Kajoba (2017)
Sébastien Desabre (2017–2019)
Abdallah Mubiru (2019, 2021)
Johnny McKinstry (2019–2021)
Milutin Sredojević (2021–2023)
Morley Beyekwaso (2023)
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 | GK | Hannington Sebwalunyo | 28 May 1989 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | GK | Joel Mutakubwa | 17 July 1995 | 8 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | GK | Ismail Watenga | 15 May 1995 | 38 | 0 | ![]() |
GK | Nafian Alionzi | 1 March 1996 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
|
|
||||||
2 | DF | Elvis Bwomono | 29 November 1998 | 13 | 0 | ![]() |
3 | DF | Arnold Odong | 2 March 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
5 | DF | Toby Sibbick | 23 May 1999 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | DF | Hilary Mukundane | 22 December 1997 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | DF | Jordan Obita | 8 December 1993 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
20 | DF | Isaac Muleme | 10 October 1992 | 53 | 0 | ![]() |
DF | Nicholas Wadada | 27 July 1994 | 63 | 1 | ![]() |
|
DF | Elio Capradossi | 11 March 1996 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
|
|
||||||
4 | MF | Kenneth Semakula | 14 November 2002 | 27 | 0 | ![]() |
6 | MF | Bobosi Byaruhanga | 3 December 2001 | 26 | 2 | ![]() |
8 | MF | Allan Oyirwoth | 23 January 2007 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
11 | MF | Enock Ssebaggala | 28 July 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | MF | Allan Okello | 4 July 2000 | 33 | 4 | ![]() |
23 | MF | Karim Watambala | 3 March 2000 | 18 | 0 | ![]() |
|
||||||
7 | FW | Rogers Mato | 20 October 1998 | 34 | 5 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Ivan Ahimbisibwe | 23 November 1995 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
10 | FW | Travis Mutyaba | 7 August 2005 | 25 | 3 | ![]() |
12 | FW | Shafik Nana Kwikiriza | 3 March 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
14 | FW | Denis Omedi | 13 June 1996 | 14 | 2 | ![]() |
16 | FW | Arafati Usama | 27 June 1998 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | FW | Muhammad Shaban | 11 January 1998 | 28 | 3 | ![]() |
22 | FW | Patrick Kakande | 25 April 2003 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
FW | Hakim Kiwanuka | 11 September 2000 | 6 | 1 | ![]() |
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 | 11 December 1993 | 24 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Mutwalibi Mugolofa | 2 November 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Tom Ikara | 12 February 1997 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Giosue Bellagambi | 8 November 2001 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Jack Komakech | 31 July 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
|
||||||
DF | Timothy Awany | 6 August 1996 | 45 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Aziz Kayondo | 6 October 2002 | 26 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Bevis Mugabi | 1 May 1995 | 26 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Gavin Kizito | 14 January 2002 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Rogers Torach | 23 June 2003 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Halid Lwaliwa | 19 August 1998 | 38 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Geoffrey Wasswa | 23 August 1996 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Nicholas Mwere | 13 March 2001 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Kaka Omony | 23 October 1999 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Nathan Asiimwe | 29 December 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
|
||||||
MF | Khalid Aucho | 8 August 1993 | 76 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Ronald Ssekiganda | 13 September 1995 | 9 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Taddeo Lwanga | 21 May 1994 | 27 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Saidi Mayanja | 12 August 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Allan Kyambadde | 15 January 1996 | 25 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Ashraf Mugume | 16 November 1998 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Moses Opondo | 28 October 1997 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
|
||||||
FW | Steven Mukwala | 15 July 1999 | 21 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Jude Ssemugabi | 3 March 1997 | 4 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Calvin Kabuye | 28 March 2003 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Derrick Nsibambi | 19 June 1994 | 26 | 7 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | John Paul Dembe | 3 July 2005 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Fahad Bayo | 10 May 1998 | 29 | 9 | Free agent | v. ![]() |
FW | Umar Lutalo | 15 December 2003 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Milton Karisa | 27 July 1995 | 50 | 6 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Moses Aliro | 9 February 1996 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Carl James Mujaguzi | 5 May 2000 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
|
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.
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 |
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 | ||||||||||||||
![]() |
Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | |||||||||
![]() |
Withdrew | Withdrew | ||||||||||||||
![]() |
Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | ||||||||||
![]() |
Withdrew during qualifying | Withdrew during qualifying | ||||||||||||||
![]() |
Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | |||||||||
![]() ![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | ||||||||||
![]() |
12 | 3 | 2 | 7 | 10 | 18 | ||||||||||
![]() |
6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||||
![]() |
6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 6 | ||||||||||
![]() |
8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 2 | ||||||||||
![]() |
6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | ||||||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
To be determined | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 7 | |||||||||
![]() ![]() ![]() |
To be determined | |||||||||||||||
![]() |
||||||||||||||||
Total | 54 | 20 | 12 | 22 | 50 | 66 |
Africa Cup of Nations RecordThis table shows Uganda's performance in the Africa Cup of Nations.
African Nations Championship RecordThis table shows Uganda's performance in the African Nations Championship. African Games RecordThis table shows Uganda's performance in football at the African Games.
CECAFA Cup AchievementsThe CECAFA Cup is a regional football tournament. Uganda has a very strong record in this competition.
Other TournamentsUganda has also competed in other football tournaments.
|
Honours
Continental Achievements
Regional Achievements
- CECAFA Cup
Awards
- African National Team of the Year: 2016
Summary of Medals
Senior Competitions | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
CAF African Cup of Nations | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Total | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Uganda para niños