As Uganda marked 60 years of Independence on October 9, 2022, the moment invited reflection beyond politics, towards a sporting journey shaped by triumph, heartbreak and stubborn hope.
From John Akii-Bua’s historic Olympic gold to Joshua Cheptegei’s modern day dominance, Uganda has produced athletes who conquered the world.
Football, the nation’s most beloved sport, has followed a tougher path. Uganda remains a regional force and proud custodian of the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, Africa’s oldest regional tournament.
But on the continental stage, success has often hovered just out of reach. Nowhere is that better captured than in the Uganda Cranes’ long and winding AFCON story.
Baby steps and hard lessons
Uganda’s AFCON journey began in 1962 in Addis Ababa. Under coach Samson Yiga, the Cranes were thrown straight into the deep end, losing 2–1 to Egypt and 3–0 to Tunisia in the third place playoff.
Still, history was made when John Bunyenyezi scored Uganda’s first AFCON goal.
The pain deepened in 1968. Uganda lost all three group matches, to Ethiopia, Algeria and Ivory Coast.
Goals from Polly Ouma and the late Denis Obua offered brief relief, but progress remained distant.
A first point, Then a step back
In 1974, the Cranes arrived in Egypt determined to change the narrative. They failed to reach the knockout stage but earned their first-ever AFCON point in a 2–2 draw with Ivory Coast.
Stanley “Tank” Mubiru carried the team, scoring all three Ugandan goals at the tournament. Losses to Egypt and Zambia followed, but Uganda had finally announced its presence.
Momentum faded quickly. At the 1976 edition, the Cranes again lost all three matches. Egypt overturned a Denis Obua opener to win 2–1, while Jimmy Muguwa’s late strike against Guinea only softened another early exit.
1978: When it all came together
Then came 1978, the golden chapter. In Accra and Kumasi, Uganda finally blossomed. The Cranes beat Congo Brazzaville 3–1, lost 3–1 to Tunisia, then dismantled Morocco 3–0 to top Group B.
Phillip Omondi, Eddy Ssemwanga, Godfrey Kisitu and Moses Nsereko lit up the tournament. In the semi-finals, Uganda stunned Nigeria 2–1, with Abdullah Nasur and Omondi delivering a famous victory.
On March 16, 1978, the Cranes stepped into the Accra Sports Stadium dreaming of glory, only to fall 2–0 to hosts Ghana.
Second place hurt, but it also marked Uganda’s peak. Omondi finished joint top scorer and, alongside Nsereko, earned a place in the Team of the Tournament.
For many, Omondi’s brilliance that year sealed his legacy as Uganda’s greatest footballer.
The Uganda Cranes before a competitive encounter at their fullhouse Nakivubo Stadium base.
In the squad were stalwarts of the 1980s scene including long-serving keeper Paul Ssali, defensive kingpins Paul Hasule, John Latigo and Charles Katumba. | Courtesy Photo
The long silence
What followed was a 39 year drought that tested the nation’s patience. Political instability, poor preparation and administrative failures locked Uganda out of AFCON.
Painful near misses, often at home, against Nigeria, Rwanda and Kenya left scars across generations.
Return, relief and renewed pain
The exile finally ended in 2017. Farouk Miya’s lone strike against Comoros at Namboole sent Uganda back to AFCON in Gabon.
Celebration gave way to reality, narrow 1–0 losses to Ghana and Egypt, then a 1–1 draw with Mali, where Miya’s stunning goal was cancelled out by Yves Bissouma’s free kick. Uganda finished bottom of Group D.
In 2019, the Cranes returned stronger. A 2–0 win over DR Congo and a draw with Zimbabwe took them into the knockout rounds.
Off-field disputes over allowances overshadowed the run, and Senegal ended Uganda’s journey in the round of 16. Still, back-to-back qualifications hinted at progress.
Fresh wounds, fresh hope
Uganda narrowly missed AFCON 2021 after a painful 1–0 loss to Malawi in the final qualifier—another reminder of how fine the margins remain.
Now, with qualification secured for AFCON 2025 and a tough Group C featuring Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania, the Cranes stand at yet another crossroads. Only two teams will advance to Morocco, and belief is once again stirring.
From the highs of 1978 to decades of longing, from crushing near misses to moments of revival, the Cranes’ AFCON story mirrors Uganda’s resilience.
And as the next chapter begins, one hope echoes across the country, that the Cranes will once more sit at Africa’s top table.
As partners in the journey, Plascon Uganda calls on fans to rally behind the Uganda Cranes as they kick off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tunisia on Tuesday, December 23, at 10pm.
