Uganda's national football team, the Cranes, is intensifying its search for talent by targeting players of Ugandan heritage abroad, as the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) aims to strengthen its squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The initiative, which has been under development for over a year, involves identifying over 200 professional footballers globally who meet FIFA and Ugandan eligibility criteria. Twenty players are now under closer scrutiny, with nine having already joined the national camp ahead of the Cranes' 2027 AFCON qualifier against Libya and friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
FUFA president Magogo Moses Hassim emphasized the federation's long-term strategy, stating, “Work has been done and we’ve been doing this work for over a year. Work has been done and sooner than later we’ll start seeing some of these players.” He urged Ugandans to welcome the heritage players, many of whom have never visited the country despite having family ties. “Some of them have never been to Uganda. Some have been coming to Uganda without necessarily being part of football,” he said, highlighting the cultural and sporting significance of the initiative.
Among the players under consideration are Abdoulaye Sissako, a midfielder with Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden, who has Malian and Ugandan heritage; Noble Okello Ayo, a 6-foot-5 midfielder from the U.S. and Canada; and Nathan Asiimwe, a London-born right-back with Ugandan parents. Other names include goalkeeper Akpan David Udoh, who played in Nigeria’s 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning team, and Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi, whose maternal grandmother was born in Uganda. The list also features Souleyman Diaby, Vula Arnold, Kelvin Owusu Boateng, and Kingdom Osayi, all from European and North American clubs.
This approach aligns with a broader trend in African football, where nations like Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal have leveraged diaspora talent to bolster their teams. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Comoros, and Equatorial Guinea have similarly incorporated players with European roots. For Uganda, the heritage-player strategy complements efforts to enhance domestic club football and youth development, as outlined by FUFA’s broader plan to combine diaspora recruitment with improved local structures.
The Cranes’ immediate focus is on the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the team set to face Libya at Hoima City Stadium. Uganda opened its Group H campaign with a 1-1 draw against Tunisia, thanks to Rogers Mato’s equalizer. While the arrival of heritage players signals ambition, FUFA clarified that eligibility and selection remain ongoing processes. “The identification, engagement, and documentation for the remaining players is continuing, with eligibility requirements under FIFA regulations and Ugandan law still being handled,” a federation statement noted.
Public interest in the initiative reflects both hope for competitive success and scrutiny over the integration of foreign-born players. Critics have questioned whether diaspora talent alone can address deeper challenges in Ugandan football, such as infrastructure and coaching. However, FUFA maintains that the program is part of a multifaceted strategy to elevate the national team’s profile on the continent.
As the Cranes prepare for their next matches, the inclusion of heritage players underscores Uganda’s evolving approach to football development. With the 2027 AFCON co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, the federation’s efforts will be closely watched as a test of its ability to balance tradition, globalization, and local growth in the sport.