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This was after the team's elimination in the round of 16 after losing to Senegal 1-0.
On 8th June 2019, a video of Uganda Cranes winger Allan Kateregga dancing to Gravity Omutujju’s local banger ‘Kapa Yo’ at the Cairo International Airport departure lounge went viral as the team waited to fly back to Uganda.
This was after the team's elimination in the round of 16 after losing to Senegal 1-0.
The video was some reprieve as fans tagged along and appreciated Kateregga for the exciting traditional Kiganda dance moves
It was Uganda Cranes’ sixth appearance, a second one on the bounce at the showpiece in the nation’s history.
The Importance of AFCON to Cranes
The past two Africa Cup of Nations editions that Uganda has participated in have had a significant impact on the nation, especially for the players and the fans.
Uganda’s first AFCON appearance after 38 years in 2017 increased the Cranes’ fan base at home and recognition on the African continent.
At the time, goalkeeper Denis Onyango was at the height of his career, fresh from winning the CAF Champions League in 2016 with Mamelodi Sundowns; playing in Gabon was another milestone.
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However, it’s the 2019 edition that had a more significant impact. The Cranes not only reached the round of 16 for the first time since 1978 but also beat DR Congo (2-0), drew with Zimbabwe (1-1), and put up a spirited fight in the 2-0 loss against Egypt in the group stages.
It was a far better performance compared to 2017 when they finished bottom of the group with one point and one goal.
Up to five players also moved to Egyptian sides after the competition, Taddeo Lwanga (Tanta FC), Khalid Aucho (El Makkassa), Emmanuel Okwi (Ittihad Alexandria), Abdul Lumala (Pyramids FC) and Allan Kyambadde (El Gouna).
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Apart from Allan Kyambadde, the rest didn’t last long in Egypt, but they cashed in on the transfers.
And just like was the case in 2019, the 2024 AFCON presents an opportunity for current players to fetch good transfer deals and better their lives.
The Bonus Drama/ The unfulfilled $1M Presidential pledge
Uganda’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign was also marred with a bonus scandal before the Cranes faced Senegal; the players demanded that their bonuses for the win against DR Congo and the draw against Zimbabwe be paid up before they faced Senegal.
The squad barely trained the day before the round of 16 clash. When they returned home, President Yoweri Museveni hosted them at a state house for dinner, where he promised the team $1M for their efforts at the showpiece.
Still, unfortunately, despite several reminders on social media by players and FUFA, the President is yet to fulfill the pledge.
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The AFCON 2024 is an opportunity to remind the President about the promise, primarily if the team performs well and probably reaches the Quarterfinals for the first time since 1978.
Media
During the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, up to ten sports journalists made the trip to Cairo to cover the Uganda Cranes, this writer inclusive.
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The tournament brings together all the top scribes from different international media houses to cover the tournament.
It’s an opportunity for the media to interact and engage with other journalists and top African stars. It’s an experience journalists have to go through in their careers.
The Local based players' effect
Finally, the final 2017 AFCON squad at the time had five locally based players in Joseph Ochaya (KCCA FC), Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA FC), Timothy Awany (KCCA FC), Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka), and Nicolas Wadada (Vipers).
The 2019 squad featured one locally based player less from 2017, with Awany Timothy bouncing back while Taddeo Lwanga (Vipers), Patrick Kaddu (KCCA FC), and Allan Kyambadde (KCCA FC) made their bow.
2024 could see a rise in local-based players with Uganda experiencing a transition; only a few players are actively playing in top leagues worldwide, which allows the local-based players to stake a claim for themselves.
To you, the Uganda Cranes, please make us proud and qualify; we all need this.
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