Uganda national football team

Last updated

Uganda
Uganda national football team logo.png
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
Kit left arm uga21t.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body uga21t.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm uga21t.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks uga19t.png
Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Kit left arm uga21h.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body uga21h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm uga21h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts uga21h.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks uga19h.png
Kit socks long.svg
Second colours
Kit left arm uga21a.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body uga21a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm uga21a.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts uga19a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks uga19a.png
Kit socks long.svg
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 82 Increase2.svg 6 (18 September 2025) [1]
Highest62 (January 2016)
Lowest152 (July 2002)
First international
Flag of Kenya (1921-1963).svg  Kenya 1–1 Uganda  Flag of the Uganda Protectorate.svg
(Nairobi, Kenya; 1 May 1926)
Biggest win
Flag of the Uganda Protectorate.svg  Uganda 13–1 Kenya  Flag of Kenya (1921-1963).svg
(Uganda; 14 December 1932)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt 6–0 Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svg
(Alexandria, Egypt; 30 July 1995)
Flag of Tunisia.svg  Tunisia 6–0 Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svg
(Tunis, Tunisia; 28 February 1999)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances8 (first in 1962 )
Best resultRunners-up (1978)
African Nations Championship
Appearances6 (first in 2011 )
Best resultGroup stage (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2019 )
Best resultQuarter-finals (2019)
CECAFA Cup
Appearances38 (first in 1973 )
Best resultChampions (1973, 1976, 1977, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019)
Website fufa.co.ug

The Uganda national football team, also known as The Uganda Cranes, represents Uganda in international football and is controlled by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations.

Contents

History

The Uganda Cranes made their debut on 1 May 1926 against Kenya drawing 1–1. In 1962, they qualified for their Africa Cup of Nations debut in the third edition of the tournament, which included only 4 teams. In the semi-finals, the Cranes were defeated and eliminated by United Arab Republic (2–1), and then lost the third place match against Tunisia (3–0).

The Cranes returned to the Africa Cup of Nations in 1974, where they were eliminated in the first round following 2 defeats against Egypt and Zambia and a draw against Ivory Coast. In 1976, they were eliminated in the first round, being defeated by Ethiopia, Egypt and Guinea.

In the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations, the Cranes finished second in the group stages defeating the Republic of Congo (3–1) and Morocco (3–0) and lost 3–1 to Tunisia. In the semi-finals they eliminated Nigeria (2–1), and in the finals they were defeated by Ghana (2–0).

In 2017 the Cranes qualified for the African Cup of Nations again after 39 years. They finished the tournament in the first round after two consecutive 1–0 losses to Ghana and Egypt and a 1–1 draw against Mali.

In the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, the Cranes progressed to the second round with a 4–0 aggregate win against Togo, and were drawn into a group with Egypt, Ghana and the Republic of Congo. They finished the group with 2 0–0 draws against Ghana, a win and a draw against the Republic of Congo and a victory against Egypt followed by a defeat at the home of the Pharaohs. The 9 points won were not enough for Uganda to qualify against the 13 of the Egyptians who finished first in the standings.

In the qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, the Cranes cruised through qualifiers against Tanzania, Cape Verde and Lesotho. In the competition proper, a 2–0 victory against DR Congo meant that the Uganda Cranes had won their first match in the competition for 41 years. In the other 2 games of the group Uganda obtained a draw against Zimbabwe (1–1) and a defeat against the hosts Egypt (2–0) qualifying in second place, to be eliminated in the round of 16 by Senegal (1–0). They qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after South Sudan beat Congo 3–2 on November 14, 2024.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2024

11 October AFCON qualification Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svg1–0Flag of South Sudan.svg  South Sudan Kampala, Uganda
19:00  UTC+3
  • Mugabi Soccerball shade.svg47'
Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Attendance: 38,000
Referee: Kalilou Ibrahim Traoré (Ivory Coast)
15 October AFCON qualification South Sudan  Flag of South Sudan.svg1–2Flag of Uganda.svg  Uganda Juba, South Sudan
15:00  UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Juba Stadium
Referee: Ahmed Al Ghandour (Egypt)
15 November AFCON qualification Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svg0–2Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Kampala, Uganda
15:00  UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Attendance: 38,000
Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
19 November AFCON qualification Congo  Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg0–1Flag of Uganda.svg  Uganda Brazzaville, Congo
13:00  UTC+1 Report
Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt)

2025

20 March 2026 World Cup qualification Mozambique  Flag of Mozambique.svg3–1Flag of Uganda.svg  Uganda Cairo, Egypt
16:00  UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Cairo International Stadium
Attendance: 100
Referee: Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
25 March 2026 World Cup qualification Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svg1–0Flag of Guinea.svg  Guinea Kampala, Uganda
19:00  UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Attendance: 25,000
9 June Friendly Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svg1–1Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia Marrakech, Morocco
16:00  UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Stade de Marrakech

African Nations Championship

5 September 2026 World Cup qualification Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svg4–0Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique Kampala, Uganda
19:00  UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Referee: Kalilou Ibrahim Traoré (Ivory Coast)
8 September 2026 World Cup qualification Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svg2-0Flag of Somalia.svg  Somalia Kampala, Uganda
19:00  UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Referee: Samuel Uwikunda (Rwanda)
27 December 2025 AFCON GS Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svgvFlag of Tanzania.svg  Tanzania Rabat, Morocco
18:00  UTC+1 Stadium: Al Barid Stadium
30 December 2025 AFCON GS Uganda  Flag of Uganda.svgvFlag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria Fez, Morocco
18:00  UTC+1 Stadium: Fez Stadium

Coaching staff

PositionStaff
Head coach Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Paul Put
Assistant coach Flag of Uganda.svg Sam Ssimbwa
Performance manager Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Sven De Wilde
Goalkeeper coach Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Gery Oste
Physical coach Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Mathieu Denis
Physiotherapist & Fitness coach Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Arthur Naudts
Video analyst Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Jelle Sevenhant
Team Doctor Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Arnaud Depraetere

Coaching history

Interim coaches are listed in italics. [2] [3] [4]

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group G matches against Botswana and Algeria on 9 and 14 October 2025. [5]

Caps and goals are correct as of 8 September 2025, after the match against Somalia.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1 GK Denis Onyango (1985-05-15) 15 May 1985 (age 40)820 Flag of South Africa.svg Mamelodi Sundowns
1 GK Salim Magoola (1995-05-27) 27 May 1995 (age 30)150 Flag of South Africa.svg Richards Bay
1 GK Nafian Alionzi (1996-03-01) 1 March 1996 (age 29)90 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Defence Force

2 DF Aziz Kayondo (2002-10-06) 6 October 2002 (age 22)312 Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Slovan Liberec
2 DF Gavin Kizito (2002-01-14) 14 January 2002 (age 23)140 Flag of Uganda.svg KCCA
2 DF Elio Capradossi (1996-03-11) 11 March 1996 (age 29)91 Flag of Romania.svg Universitatea Cluj
2 DF Hilary Mukundane (1997-12-22) 22 December 1997 (age 27)60 Flag of Uganda.svg Vipers
2 DF Jordan Obita (1993-12-08) 8 December 1993 (age 31)40 Flag of Scotland.svg Hibernian
2 DF Toby Sibbick (1999-05-23) 23 May 1999 (age 26)30 Flag of England.svg Burton Albion FC
2 DF Rogers Torach (2003-06-23) 23 June 2003 (age 22)30 Flag of Uganda.svg Vipers
2 DF Herbert Achai (1999-08-08) 8 August 1999 (age 26)20 Flag of Uganda.svg KCCA

3 MF Khalid Aucho (1993-08-08) 8 August 1993 (age 32)792 Flag of Tanzania.svg Singida Black Stars
3 MF Kenneth Semakula (2002-11-14) 14 November 2002 (age 22)290 Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Al-Adalah
3 MF Bobosi Byaruhanga (2001-12-03) 3 December 2001 (age 23)280 Flag of the United States.svg Oakland Roots
3 MF Ronald Ssekiganda (1995-09-13) 13 September 1995 (age 30)111 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR
3 MF Allan Oyirwoth (2007-01-23) 23 January 2007 (age 18)40 Flag of the United States.svg New England Revolution
3 MF Enock Ssebaggala (2000-07-28) 28 July 2000 (age 25)10 Flag of Uganda.svg Vipers

4 FW Rogers Mato (1998-10-20) 20 October 1998 (age 26)367 Flag of North Macedonia.svg Vardar Skopje
4 FW Allan Okello (2000-07-04) 4 July 2000 (age 25)356 Flag of Uganda.svg Vipers
4 FW Travis Mutyaba (2005-08-07) 7 August 2005 (age 20)273 Flag of Tunisia.svg Sfaxien
4 FW Steven Mukwala (1999-07-15) 15 July 1999 (age 26)241 Flag of Tanzania.svg Simba
4 FW Denis Omedi (1996-06-13) 13 June 1996 (age 29)162 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR
4 FW Joseph Mpande (1994-03-23) 23 March 1994 (age 31)152 Flag of Vietnam.svg PVF-CAND
4 FW Jude Ssemugabi (1997-03-03) 3 March 1997 (age 28)102 Flag of Sudan.svg Jamus
4 FW Reagan Mpande (2000-05-07) 7 May 2000 (age 25)10 Flag of Uganda.svg Villa
4 FW Uche Ikpeazu (1995-02-28) 28 February 1995 (age 30)10 Flag of Scotland.svg St Johnstone

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up in the last 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Hannington Sebwalunyo (1989-05-28) 28 May 1989 (age 36)00 Flag of Uganda.svg NEC v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
GK Joel Mutakubwa (1994-07-17) 17 July 1994 (age 31)80 Flag of Uganda.svg BUL v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
GK Ismail Watenga (1995-05-15) 15 May 1995 (age 30)380 Flag of South Africa.svg Lamontville Golden Arrows v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
GK Charles Lukwago (1993-12-11) 11 December 1993 (age 31)240 Flag of South Africa.svg Venda v. Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo , 19 November 2024
GK Mutwalibi Mugolofa (2000-11-02) 2 November 2000 (age 24)00 Flag of Uganda.svg KCCA v. Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo , 19 November 2024

DF Elvis Bwomono (1998-11-29) 29 November 1998 (age 26)130 Flag of Scotland.svg St Mirren v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
DF Arnold Odong (1999-03-02) 2 March 1999 (age 26)00 Flag of Uganda.svg Villa v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
DF Isaac Muleme (1992-10-10) 10 October 1992 (age 32)530 Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Viktoria Žižkov v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
DF Nicholas Wadada (1994-07-27) 27 July 1994 (age 31)631 Flag of Uganda.svg Vipers v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
DF Timothy Awany (1996-08-06) 6 August 1996 (age 29)450 Flag of Israel.svg Ashdod v. Flag of Guinea.svg  Guinea , 25 March 2025
DF Bevis Mugabi (1995-05-01) 1 May 1995 (age 30)261 Flag of Cyprus.svg Anorthosis Famagusta v. Flag of Guinea.svg  Guinea , 25 March 2025
DF Halid Lwaliwa (1998-08-19) 19 August 1998 (age 27)381 Flag of North Macedonia.svg Bregalnica v. Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo , 19 November 2024
DF Geoffrey Wasswa (1996-08-23) 23 August 1996 (age 29)30 Flag of Ethiopia.svg Ethiopian Coffee v. Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo , 19 November 2024
DF Nicholas Mwere (2001-03-13) 13 March 2001 (age 24)10 Flag of Uganda.svg BUL v. Flag of South Sudan.svg  South Sudan ; 14 October 2024

MF Karim Watambala (2000-03-03) 3 March 2000 (age 25)180 Flag of Uganda.svg Vipers v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
MF Taddeo Lwanga (1994-05-21) 21 May 1994 (age 31)271 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR v. Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo , 19 November 2024
MF Saidi Mayanja (2003-08-12) 12 August 2003 (age 22)00 Flag of Uganda.svg KCCA v. Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo , 19 November 2024

FW Ivan Ahimbisibwe (1995-11-23) 23 November 1995 (age 29)20 Flag of Uganda.svg URA v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
FW Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (2004-03-03) 3 March 2004 (age 21)10 Flag of Uganda.svg KCCA v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
FW Arafati Usama (1998-06-27) 27 June 1998 (age 27)40 Flag of Uganda.svg KCCA v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
FW Muhammad Shaban (1998-01-11) 11 January 1998 (age 27)283 Flag of Libya.svg Al-Anwar Al-Abyar v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
FW Patrick Kakande (2003-04-25) 25 April 2003 (age 22)50 Flag of Uganda.svg Villa v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
FW Hakim Kiwanuka (2000-09-11) 11 September 2000 (age 25)61 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR v. Flag of The Gambia.svg  Gambia , 9 June 2025
FW Calvin Kabuye (2003-03-28) 28 March 2003 (age 22)10 Flag of Sweden.svg Mjällby v. Flag of Guinea.svg  Guinea , 25 March 2025
FW Derrick Nsibambi (1994-06-19) 19 June 1994 (age 31)267 Flag of Uganda.svg KCCA v. Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo , 19 November 2024
FW John Paul Dembe (2005-07-03) 3 July 2005 (age 20)00 Flag of Sweden.svg Häcken v. Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo , 19 November 2024

Player records

As of 8 September 2025 [6]
Players in bold are still active with Uganda.
Most appearances
RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1 Godfrey Walusimbi 10532009–2019
2 Emmanuel Okwi 95282009–2023
3 Simeon Masaba 8862002–2013
4 Tony Mawejje 8682003–2018
5 Denis Onyango 8202005–2021
6 Hassan Wasswa 8102006–2019
7 Farouk Miya 79232014–2023
Khalid Aucho 7922013–present
9 Andrew Mwesigwa 7572003–2014
10 Geoffrey Massa 72222005–2017
Top goalscorers
RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Emmanuel Okwi 28950.292009–2023
2 Farouk Miya 23790.292014–2023
3 Geoffrey Massa 22720.312005–2017
4 Majid Musisi 20290.691987–2000
5 Hassan Mubiru 18630.291998–2007
6 David Obua 16360.442003–2011
7 Geoffrey Sserunkuma 14540.262002–2017
8 Brian Umony 12360.332009–2015
9 Jackson Mayanja 10270.371988–1999
10 Patrick Kaddu 9210.432018–2022
Fahad Bayo 9290.312018–present
Philip Obwiny 9480.191994–2003

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
1930 to 1958 Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
1962 to 1974 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of Argentina.svg 1978 Did not qualify210134
Flag of Spain.svg 1982 WithdrewWithdrew
Flag of Mexico.svg 1986 Did not qualify210113
Flag of Italy.svg 1990 210123
Flag of the United States.svg 1994 Withdrew during qualifyingWithdrew during qualifying
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1998 Did not qualify200215
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg Flag of Japan.svg 2002 201147
Flag of Germany.svg 2006 123271018
Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 631289
Flag of Brazil.svg 2014 622256
Flag of Russia.svg 2018 843172
Flag of Qatar.svg 2022 623132
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2026 To be determined8503127
Flag of Morocco.svg Flag of Portugal (official).svg Flag of Spain.svg 2030 To be determined
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg 2034
Total562212225666

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Flag of Sudan (1956-1970).svg 1957 Not affiliated to CAF
Flag of the United Arab Republic.svg 1959
Flag of Ethiopia (1897-1936; 1941-1974).svg 1962 Fourth place4th200215
Flag of Ghana.svg 1963 Withdrew
Flag of Tunisia (1959-1999).svg 1965 Did not qualify
Flag of Ethiopia (1897-1936; 1941-1974).svg 1968 Group stage8th300328
Flag of Sudan (1956-1970).svg 1970 Did not qualify
Flag of Cameroon (1961-1975).svg 1972
Flag of Egypt (1972-1984).svg 1974 Group stage6th301235
Flag of Ethiopia (1975-1987).svg 1976 Group stage8th300326
Flag of Ghana.svg 1978 Runners-up2nd530297
Flag of Nigeria.svg 1980 Withdrew
Flag of Libya (1977-2011).svg 1982
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg 1984 Did not qualify
Flag of Egypt.svg 1986
Flag of Morocco.svg 1988
Flag of Algeria.svg 1990 Withdrew
Flag of Senegal.svg 1992 to Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg 2015 Did not qualify
Flag of Gabon.svg 2017 Group stage13th301213
Flag of Egypt.svg 2019 Round of 1613th411234
Flag of Cameroon.svg 2021 Did not qualify
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg 2023
Flag of Morocco.svg 2025 Qualified
Flag of Kenya.svg Flag of Tanzania.svg Flag of Uganda.svg 2027 Qualified as co-hosts
TotalRunners-up8/352343162138

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
Flag of Cote d'Ivoire.svg 2009 Did not qualify
Flag of Sudan.svg 2011 Group stage15th300315
Flag of South Africa.svg 2014 12th311134
Flag of Rwanda.svg 2016 12th302134
Flag of Morocco.svg 2018 12th301214
Flag of Cameroon.svg 2020 14th301237
Flag of Algeria.svg 2022 11th311123
Flag of Kenya.svg Flag of Tanzania.svg Flag of Uganda.svg 2024 Quarter-finals8th521287
TotalQuarter-finals7/82347122134

African Games

YearRoundPldWDLGFGA
Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg 1965 6th place51131014
1973–1987Did not enter
Total-51131014

CECAFA Cup

(1973–2023)

Other tournaments

YearRound
Flag of Kuwait.svg 1989 Peace and Friendship Cup Runners-up
Flag of Uganda.svg 1962 Ugandan Independence Tournament Runners-up

Head-to-head record

Completely updated and corrected per the cited source on 8 September 2025 [7]

Note: Country in italic is not a member of FIFA.

Source: [8] [9]

Honours

Continental

Regional

Friendly

Awards

Summary

CompetitionGold medal icon.svgSilver medal icon.svgBronze medal icon.svgTotal
CAF African Cup of Nations 0101
Total0101

References

  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 18 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  2. Zziwa, Hassan Badru (25 May 2009). "Rise and fall of Cranes coaches". The Observer. Uganda. Archived from the original on 23 March 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
  3. "Rise and fall of Uganda Cranes tacticians". Soccer256 online. Archived from the original on 2 February 2012. Retrieved 29 July 2011.
  4. "Johnny McKinstry unveiled as Uganda Cranes coach". www.newvision.co.ug. Archived from the original on 2019-12-09. Retrieved 2019-12-30.
  5. "Uganda Cranes Squad Named for October FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers". Federation of Uganda Football Associations. 30 September 2025. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  6. "Uganda". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 2023-09-19. Retrieved 2022-06-14.
  7. FIFA.com. "FIFA Tournaments – Compare Teams – FIFA.com". FIFA.com. Archived from the original on June 13, 2007. Retrieved 2018-05-31.
  8. "Uganda". 29 March 2021. Archived from the original on 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2023-07-21.
  9. "Uganda - Historical results". 29 March 2021. Archived from the original on 2023-07-21. Retrieved 2023-07-21.