Uganda Cranes’ absence from this month’s international break comes down to one key decision safety first.
For years, FUFA has ensured the national team uses every FIFA window to stay active and competitive.
But this time, head coach Paul Put had no choice but to step back, a rare move for a side that rarely misses such opportunities.
Two friendly matches had been arranged against Bahrain national football team and Mauritania national football team in Turkey.
They were meant to help the Cranes fine-tune ahead of a busy period, especially with the 2027 AFCON set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania drawing closer.
However, concerns over travel and safety, linked to conflicts in parts of the Middle East near the region, forced a change in plan. FUFA chose to protect players and staff rather than take risks.
National Teams Manager Paul Mukatabala admitted the decision was not easy.
“Of course every coach would love to have as much time as possible to get to know his players, work with them and build a competitive side. So, every time that opportunity is not available, it curtails preparations,” while speaking to Daily Monitor’s Elvis Ssenono
He noted that missing time together limits the coach’s ability to build the team, but stressed the reasons for skipping this window are serious and unavoidable.
The March window (23–31) is a key period for most teams to play two matches and build rhythm. Uganda will miss that chance.
They will also not be part of the June window, which is reserved for countries heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Now, attention turns to club football in one week time as players stay with their teams. The Cranes are expected to return during the September–October window, with more games lined up.
