Khalid Aucho retires from international football after 77 Uganda Cranes caps
Former captain ends 13-year national team career after helping Uganda return to the Africa Cup of Nations and featuring in three AFCON tournaments.
Uganda Cranes midfielder Khalid Aucho has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a 13-year career in which he earned 77 caps and captained the national team.
Aucho announced his decision in a statement dated October 12, 2026, reflecting on his journey with the Cranes, the milestones achieved and the people who supported him throughout his international career.
The midfielder made his international debut on November 30, 2013, and went on to become one of the team’s key figures, wearing the national colours across three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.
He described captaining Uganda as one of the greatest privileges of his life, highlighting the team’s return to the continental competition after a 38-year absence as one of the defining moments of his career.
“Helping end Uganda’s 38-year wait for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification, competing across three AFCON tournaments, and leading my country onto the pitch as captain is a testament to faith, hard work, and the unwavering support of an entire nation,” Aucho said.
Aucho recalled growing up and working at Bugembe market abattoir, where he nurtured the dream of representing Uganda on football’s biggest stages.
His rise to the national team and eventual appointment as captain marked a significant personal achievement, turning childhood ambition into a career representing his country.
In his retirement statement, he thanked the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), team administrators, coaches, teammates and supporters for their contributions to his journey.
He paid tribute to coaches Milutin “Micho” Sredojević, Sébastien Desabre, Jonathan McKinstry and Paul Put, as well as the late Fred Kajoba, whom he credited with influencing his development through their guidance and belief in him.
Aucho also praised Uganda Cranes supporters, saying their backing at Namboole and across the country helped the team navigate difficult moments.
Although his international playing career has ended, Aucho said his commitment to Ugandan football remains unchanged.
He called on a new generation of players to step forward, carry the national team’s ambitions and create their own history.
“My journey on the pitch with the national team comes to an end, but my commitment to Ugandan football remains unchanged,” he said.
“I look forward to supporting them as one of Uganda’s biggest fans.”
Aucho leaves the national team with 77 international appearances, three AFCON tournament campaigns and the distinction of having captained the Cranes.
