A New Deal, A Familiar Mission — Paul Put’s Cranes Project Continues
After weeks of speculation about his future, Belgian coach Paul Put has confirmed that he will remain as the head coach of the Uganda Cranes until 2028. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (Fufa) made the announcement on Thursday, bringing clarity to a situation that had been dominating headlines since Put’s initial two-year contract expired in November.
Fufa CEO Edgar Watson made the official statement at Kadiba, Kampala, emphasizing the decision to extend Put’s contract for the next two and a half years. “We have noticed a lot of anxiety and speculation concerning the head coach,” Watson said. “Fufa has agreed with coach Paul Put on a new contract for the next two and a half years, effective immediately.”
Put, who is 68 years old, expressed gratitude and excitement about the new deal. “I am grateful to Fufa and Uganda for the opportunity to work here,” he said. “The first two years have been very special, connecting with the passionate football fans in Uganda by delivering good performances on the pitch. I believe there is more to come, and I’m looking forward to creating more great memories.”
Reward for Results
The extension comes at a crucial time, just under seven weeks before the Afcon 2025 tournament in Morocco, where Uganda will face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria in Group C. Since taking charge in November 2023, Put has guided the Cranes in 23 matches, recording 13 wins, three draws, and seven losses — a 56% overall win rate, including a 67% success rate in competitive fixtures.
Under his leadership, Uganda secured qualification for the Afcon, ending a six-year absence, and finished second behind Algeria in World Cup qualifying. Beyond the results, Put’s tenure has shown glimpses of structure, discipline, and belief — qualities that have rekindled fan confidence in a team once adrift.
A Mix of Old and New
Immediately after signing the new deal, Put named a 28-man squad for two upcoming friendlies in Morocco — against Chad on November 15 and hosts Morocco on November 19 — before the Afcon campaign kicks off. The squad blends continuity with fresh energy. Veterans such as Denis Onyango and Khalid Aucho bring experience and leadership, while Allan Okello heads a youthful, home-based contingent of nine UPL players, including KCCA’s Herbert Achayi and Shafik Kwikiriza.
The foreign-based contingent has grown with the addition of Elio Capradossi, Jordan Obita, and Toby Sibbick, strengthening Uganda’s international spine. Baba Al Hassan, born in Jinja to Ghanaian parents and playing for FCV Farul Constanta in Romania, is another interesting inclusion. It is said that one of his parents contacted Fufa over the chance to represent Uganda, and Put was impressed with what he saw in the “box-to-box midfielder.”
Forward Melvyn Lorenzen also returns to the Cranes fold. Born in London to a Ugandan father and German mother, Lorenzen made his Uganda Cranes debut in 2016 in a friendly against Zimbabwe. However, disagreements with Fufa over certain procedures cut his initial stint short, delaying what is now a long-awaited reunion.
Eyes on Morocco
Uganda opens their Afcon campaign against Tunisia on December 23, before facing Tanzania on December 27 and Nigeria on December 30. For Fufa, renewing Put’s contract reflects a vote of confidence in continuity rather than a reset.
“The Fufa Executive Committee made a rare decision to extend coach Paul Put’s contract — a testament to his outstanding performance,” said 1st Vice President Justus Mugisha. With Morocco on the horizon and a fresh mandate through 2028, Put’s journey with Uganda enters its next chapter — one defined by expectation, belief, and unfinished business.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers:– Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay – S. Africa)- Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns – S. Africa)- Tom Ikara (BUL – Uganda)- Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC – Uganda)
Defenders:– Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion – England)- Elio Capodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj – Romania)- Jordan Obita (Hibernian – Scotland)- Rogers Torach (Vipers SC – Uganda)- Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC – Uganda)- Aziz Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec – Czech Rep.)- Herbert Achayi (KCCA – Uganda)- Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod – Israel)- Moses Alio (URA – Uganda)
Midfielders:– Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah – Saudi Arabia)- Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars SC – Tanzania)- Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution – USA)- Baba Al Hassan (FCV Farul Constanta – Romania)- Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC – USA)
Forwards:– Allan Okello (Vipers SC – Uganda)- Melyvn Lorenzen (Muangthong Utd – Thailand)- Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien – Tunisia)- Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand – Vietnam)- Rogers Mato (FK Vardar – Macedonia)- Reagan Mpande (SC Villa – Uganda)- Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus – S. Sudan)- Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone – Scotland)- Steven Mukwala (Simba SC – Tanzania)- Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA – Uganda)