Museveni Lauds Uganda Cranes for 8th AFCON Qualification

President Museveni has congratulated the Uganda Cranes on qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Officially known as the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, is the main biennial international men’s association football competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football and was first held in 1957.

“Uganda has qualified for the third time in the last eight years of the biennial competition,” said President Museveni in a congratulatory message on X.

On November 14, 2024, Uganda Cranes qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after South Sudan defeated Congo 3-2 at Juba Stadium.

The result meant Uganda sealed qualification to AFCON on ten points alongside South Africa who they would later play at Mandela National Stadium.

Uganda Cranes closely followed the game between South Sudan and Congo in camp and went into celebrations immediately after the full-time whistle. They were joined in celebrations by FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim.

“I congratulate the players, coaches, FUFA, the Ministry of Education and Sports, and all fellow Ugandans,” said Museveni.

He added: “The government has already committed a lot of resources to construct and rehabilitate the sports infrastructure and we will continue to do so.”

Uganda has now qualified for AFCON eight times.

These include;

1962

1968

1972

1974

1978

2017

2019

2025