President Museveni goes tactical at State Dinner to appreciate Uganda Cranes team at CHAN 2024

The delicious and sumptuous dinner served aside, the president involved the different members of the Uganda Cranes CHAN 2024 squad to a heartily conversation before he announced the fulfillment of the Ug.Shs 2.4 billion.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni addressing guests during the State Dinner at Entebbe State House

Overview:

After a slow start, falling 0-3 to Algeria, Uganda Cranes won two games at CHAN 2024; defeating Guinea 3-0 and Niger 2-0 before drawing 3-all with South Africa to qualify out of the group for the very first time.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the First Lady Mama Janet Museveni were in jovial moods as they hosted the sports family at a state dinner on Wednesday, 10th September 2025 in Entebbe State House.

The president cracked endless jokes with his visitors who included the footballers and officials from Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) and the other sports federations / associations.

President Museveni hands a dummy cheque to the Uganda Cranes players

First Lady Mamma Janet Museveni shows her plaque

On the other hand, the First Lady often smiled ear-to-ear as at one time waved when she joined Steven “Keys” Kigozi’s performance and sang along with Gospel female artist Gabie Ntaate’s Mama Wange hit.

The delicious and sumptuous dinner served aside, the president involved the different members of the Uganda Cranes CHAN 2024 squad to a heartily conversation before he announced the fulfillment of the Ug.Shs 2.4 billion.

“I had promised at least Ug.Shs 30 for each of you in every victory at CHAN 2024 which is Ug.Shs 1.2 billion. For the two victories, I have the Ug.Shs 2.4 billion for you” the head of state spoke much to the applause of the gathering.

The president directly engaged the team captain Rogers Torach Ochaki, goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa, right back Gavin Kizito Mugweri, left back Herbert Achayi, the coaches Morley Byekwaso and Paul Joseph Put before the FUFA President Moses Magogo.

Joel Mutakubwa smiles

Gavin Kizito Mugweri

Hon. Peter Ogwang, State minister of sports

Hon. Moses Magogo, FUFA president

“Nutrition for sportsmen should improve to boost their health. During my next kisanja (term of office), we want to insist on free education for all so that the children of the poor should remain in schools. We also have to implement policies of having infrastructure for all education facilities and I encourage sports persons to join the armed and security forces.” President Museveni revealed.

After a slow start, falling 0-3 to Algeria, Uganda Cranes won two games at CHAN 2024; defeating Guinea 3-0 and Niger 2-0 before drawing 3-all with South Africa to qualify out of the group for the very first time.

Uganda Cranes players having dinner

Uganda Cranes players having dinner at Entebbe State House

Uganda Cranes players serve dinner

Princess Katrina Sangalyambogo also attended the state dinner at State House, Entebbe

Against Guinea, Uganda Cranes scored through Reagan Mpande, Allan Okello and Ivan Ahimbisibwe.

Okello scored again against Niger and Joel Sserunjogi. In the thrilling 3-all draw with South Africa, Uganda Cranes scored through Jude Ssemugabi as well as two penalties by Okello and skipper Torach.

The journey for Uganda Cranes ended at the quarter final stage with the bitter 0-1 loss to Senegal. CHAN 2024 was a dry run for AFCON 2027.

Former Uganda Cranes captains (L-R): Paul Ssali, Geofrey Massa, Andrew Mwesigwa and Edgar Watson