The Government of Uganda has approved the release of UGX 1.5 billion to support the naturalisation of foreign-based players eligible to represent the Uganda Cranes, in a move aimed at strengthening the national team.
The confirmation was made by Moses Hassim Magogo, president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations, during his appearance on CBS FM’s Akaati Kebyemizannyo sports show on Wednesday. He revealed that the funds will facilitate the process of identifying and integrating players of Ugandan descent who have been raised in Europe and other parts of the world.
Magogo explained that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve the quality and competitiveness of the national team, noting that several countries across Africa and beyond have successfully adopted a similar approach.
He pointed to nations like Morocco and Senegal, where diaspora players have played a key role in elevating national team performance.
He also highlighted that Uganda has already started to benefit from such players, citing Elio Capradossi as an example of the added quality brought into the squad.
The FUFA president further disclosed that the process has been ongoing behind the scenes, with negotiations already in progress involving several players.
To spearhead the identification process, FUFA appointed Mathias Ndawula, who has been actively moving across Europe in search of players with Ugandan roots willing to commit to the national team.
Magogo expressed optimism that the results of this effort could soon be visible, with new faces potentially joining the squad as early as the next international window in June.
Some of the players currently linked to the project include Devine Mukasa, Arthur Okonkwo, Bashir Humphreys and Joshua Muwana, all of whom have eligibility ties to Uganda.
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