Government of Uganda has granted the release of funds for FUFA to work on naturalisation of players to feature for Uganda Cranes in the near future.

FUFA President Hon. Moses Hassim Magogo while appearing on CBS FM Akaati Kebyemizannyo show on Wednesday, confirmed Government will release 1.5 Billion shillings for naturalisation of players.

“I want to confirm that we have had engagements with Government for naturalisation of players who have attachment with Uganda but have been raised in Europe and elsewhere. The money we asked for is 1.5 Billion and that will be given to us,” he stated.

Magogo indicated that several countries across Africa and beyond have taken this route to identify players who come with better quality.

“When we told the public we want this money, there was a lot of discontent but I want to tell you that this is what other countries like Morocco, Senegal and others are doing. If you look at our National Team currently, you can see that there are several players like Elio Capradossi who who have agreed to play for Uganda and you can see that their quality is better.”

The FUFA President also revealed that the process has been ongoing and there are several players they are talking to.

“ If you look at what other countries are investing, the money we asked for is way less but we have been doing work behind curtains and there are negotiations going on. FUFA appointed Mr. Mathias Ndawula who moves across Europe to try and identify players that have attachment to Uganda. Hopefully, by the next international window in June, we might see some new faces.”

Devine Mukasa, Arthur Okonkwo, Bashir Humphreys and Joshua Muwana are some of the players that have attachment to Uganda.

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By: Icko de Guzman

Needing a win to secure a return to the AFC Asian Cup, the Philippines saw its hopes dashed after settling for a 1–1 draw against Tajikistan in their final qualifying match at Hisor Central Stadium in Dushanbe.

The result left the Philippines short of qualification, finishing second in Group A level on 14 points with Tajikistan, but ultimately edged out on goal difference.

The Philippines last reached the Asian Cup in 2019, booking their spot with a 2–1 victory over the same opponent at Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila in March 2018.

Raphael Obermair made his long-awaited national team debut and marked it with a goal in the 19th minute to give the Philippines an early boost. The SC Paderborn midfielder connected on a cross from Randy Schneider on the right flank and fired a low strike into the far corner.

However, Tajikistan responded five minutes before halftime, as Shereddin Boboev found space outside the box and unleashed a shot that beat Kevin Ray Hansen, taking a deflection on its way into the goal.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half. The Philippines nearly broke through in the 85th minute, with Jesper Nyholm testing the goal, while Jarvey Gayoso had a late chance but sent his volley over the bar.

With their Asian Cup bid falling short, the Philippines now shifts focus to the ASEAN Hyundai Cup 2026, set for July to August.

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• Event: 2026 CAF African schools championship
• Dates: 2nd to 10th April 2026
• Venue: Harare, Zimbabwe

Team Uganda will be represented by St Mary’s Boarding Secondary School Kitende at the 2026 CAF African Schools championship in Harare city, Zimbabwe (2nd to 10th April).

This event brings together boys and girls under 15 years from different countries across Africa.

Uganda has representation only among the male gender with the other countries being Zimbabwe (Hosts), Benin, DR Congo, Morocco, Senegal, Zambia and the reigning champions, Tanzania.

Ghana is the defending champions among the girls. They will be joined by Zimbabwe (Hosts), DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Morocco, Guinea, Tanzania and Zambia.

Team Uganda was officially flagged off on the evening of Tuesday, 31st March 2026 at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

The guest list was rich led by the Commissioner for Physical Education and Sports in the Ministry of Education and Sports Rev. Canon Dr Duncans Mugumya.

Other officials included; Edgar Watson Suubi (CEO of Federation of Uganda Football Associations), Justus Mugisha (president of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association and FUFA Vice president), Christopher Mugisha Banage (USSSA General Secretary), Patrick Alfred Okanya (USSSA president emeritus),  Jimmy Ssembatya Mukasa (head teacher, St Mary’s Boarding School, Kitende), Claire Mulindwa and other USSSA members of the secretariat.

The team departed on Wednesday morning aboard Rwandair.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s Isaac Ssentongo is among the pool of match officials selected through the CAF Young Referees’ Programme for this championship.

Quotes:

We have prepared well for these games and we are ready to go for the title.

Livingstone Kulata, team captain

The players have undergone great training and warm up games. We are ready physically and mentally with one target at hand; to bring home the trophy.

Hassan Zzungu, head coach

I thank the Government of Uganda that has continued to invest endlessly in the sports sub-sector. Special thanks to FUFA and USSSA for organizing the football competitions. We are proud of you. You have a wonderful opportunity to showcase your talent to the world. Give your best and you will return victorious.

Rev. Canon Dr. Duncans Mugumya

I congratulate St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende for the making it once again for the CAF Schools African football championship. This is the third time that they are representing the country on the continent. I have all the reasons to believe that you will return victorious from Zimbabwe. I thank the director Dr Lawrence Mulindwa for the massive investment undertaken.

Justus Mugisha, president of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA)

Special thanks to the Almighty God that we managed to qualify to represent Uganda at the CAF African schools championship. I thank all the players and stakeholders for the effort undertaken to ensure this feat. I thank the Ministry of Education and Sports as well as the Government at large for the conducive environment created. I thank the St Mary’s management for tapping the talent to form a formidable team, one that has qualified to represent the country. Special thanks to the director Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa for the investment undertaken and special appreciation to USSSA for organizing successful sports competitions.

Jimmy Ssembatya Mukasa, head teacher St Mary’s Boarding School Kitende

This competition falls in line with the FUFA Technical Master plan; developing players and coaches. To the players, please do not take this for granted. You are now representing Uganda. Take it in your mind, that you are representing Uganda. Do not underestimate time. Play to your best and remember this is your time. I thank the USSSA president for always lobbying CAF to host this particular competition in Uganda. I also applaud the FUFA Executive committee led by Eng. Moses Magogo, Dr Lawrence Mulindwa and St Mary’s Kitende for accepting to host a regional event of this magnitude. In the same vein, I thanked the Ministry of Education of Sports and CAF for this wonderful project, a high-level competition for youngsters.

Edgar Watson Suubi, FUFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

We are humbled for this special occasion to represent the country at the CAF Africa Schools football championship. We thank the director, school management, coaches, players, USSSA and Government for the collective effort. The target remains; to win the trophy back home.

Claire Mulindwa

Full Delegation:

Officials:                                                              

• Head of Delegation: Twahil Kiteezaala
• Government officials: Duncans Mugumya (Commissioner Physical education and sports, Ministry of Education & Sports) & Brighton Barugahare (Commissioner Policy and Research in Ministry of Education and Sports)
• Member Association Representative: Saidi Ddamulira
• Media officer: Aisha Nakato

Players:

Frank Musisi, Bashir Edema, Akram Ssenyonga, Nabiru Kajumba, Shakur Ngobi, Hamidu Kasumba, Nicholas Kawooya, Livingstone Kulata, Haruna Kisakye, Owen Mukisa, Elisa Mukasa, Ivin Kakinda, Musa Kironde, Henry Muhoozi, Lucky Wanyama, Imran Ssebbale, Shafic Kitimbo, Eze Kombi, Derrick Rwothomio, Emmanuel Opio

Team Officials:

• Team manager: Ronald Mulajje
• Head Coach: Hassan Zungu
• Assistant Coach: Micheal Kabali
• Safe Guarding: Joel Muwanguzi
• Team Doctor: Aloysious Kyeyune
• Goal keeping Coach: Mubarak Kiberu

Teams:

• Boys: Zimbabwe (Hosts), Benin, DR Congo, Tanzania (Champions), Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia
• Girls: Zimbabwe (Hosts), DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Ghana (Champions), Morocco, Guinea, Tanzania, Zambia

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