AMSTERDAM, Netherlands — The 2026 Euro Cranes Tournament officially kicked off in Amsterdam, bringing together ten Ugandan diaspora football teams from across Europe for a weekend celebrating unity, sportsmanship and national pride.
The annual tournament also drew several Heads of Uganda’s diplomatic missions across Europe, underscoring the Government of Uganda’s commitment to strengthening engagement with Ugandan communities living abroad.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was H.E. Nimisha Madhvani, Uganda’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, who joined fellow ambassadors in supporting what has become one of the largest sporting events for the Ugandan diaspora in Europe.
In her remarks, High Commissioner Madhvani congratulated H.E. Ambassador Mirjam Blaak Sow and the Embassy of the Republic of Uganda in Brussels for successfully organising this year’s tournament. She commended the organisers for sustaining an event that continues to bring together Ugandans from across Europe while promoting friendship, cultural identity and community cohesion.
She also applauded the ten participating teams for demonstrating how sport can strengthen bonds within the Ugandan diaspora and encouraged players to compete with discipline, teamwork, determination and respect.
“The Euro Cranes Tournament demonstrates the strength and unity of the Ugandan diaspora. Through sport, we celebrate our shared heritage, strengthen friendships across borders, and inspire future generations to remain connected to their homeland,” High Commissioner Madhvani said.
She noted that beyond football, the tournament serves as an important networking platform where Ugandans living in different European countries can exchange ideas, forge partnerships and contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic development.
The High Commissioner emphasised the vital role played by the diaspora in advancing investment, tourism, trade, innovation and cultural diplomacy, urging Ugandans abroad to continue supporting one another while working closely with Uganda’s diplomatic missions on initiatives that contribute to national development and preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The event was attended by several Heads of Mission, including H.E. Ambassador Elizabeth Paula Napeyok of Rome, H.E. Ambassador Mirjam Blaak Sow of Brussels, H.E. Ambassador Stephen Mubiru of Berlin, H.E. Ambassador Doreen Amule of Paris, H.E. Ambassador Margaret M. Otteskov of Copenhagen and H.E. Nimisha Madhvani of London, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting Ugandan communities across Europe.
After two days of competition, Team USA emerged as champions of the 2026 Euro Cranes Tournament.
Beyond crowning the tournament winners, the event once again provided an opportunity for Ugandans living across Europe to strengthen community ties, celebrate their shared heritage and showcase the values of unity, excellence and patriotism through sport.