Uganda’s football fever : What fans want to see from the Cranes before 2026

Uganda’s passion for football runs deep, with every match sparking hope, pride, and at times, frustration. As the Uganda Cranes gear up for upcoming tournaments and the road to the 2026 World Cup, football fans across the country are eager to see changes that will bring the national team closer to glory.

We hit the streets of Kampala to ask fans what they think the Cranes need to do to elevate their performance on the world stage.

Many Ugandan football fans believe that the key to improving the Cranes’ performance lies in investing in better coaching and developing young players.

Paul Kizza, a football enthusiast and manager of a small shop in Kisenyi, said, “We have good players, but the problem is that our coaches are not bringing out the best in them. We need more experienced coaches who understand international football.”

Kizza pointed out that some of Uganda’s neighboring countries, like Kenya and Tanzania, have hired foreign coaches with extensive international experience. He believes Uganda should follow suit. “Look at teams like Senegal or Morocco—they have coaches who’ve worked at the highest levels. If we want to compete internationally, we need to do the same,” he added.

On the streets of Wandegeya, young men gathered around a local football pitch shared their views on the importance of grassroots development. Patrick Muwonge, a 23-year-old football player, said the future of Ugandan football depends on developing talent at a young age.

“We have so much raw talent in the villages and ghettos, but the problem is that there’s no system to support us. The federation should invest more in youth academies and local football leagues,” Muwonge explained.

He also mentioned that for Uganda to compete at higher levels, the country must create a pipeline for young players to move from grassroots football into the national team. “We see other countries bringing in players from their youth academies into the national team, but here, young players are not given the same chances,” he lamented.

Many Ugandan football fans also expressed concern over the Cranes’ tactical play on the field. Brian Ssekandi, a boda-boda rider and passionate football supporter, highlighted the need for the team to adopt more modern, attacking football strategies.

“Our team is too defensive. When we play bigger teams, we focus too much on stopping goals rather than trying to score. If you want to win, you have to attack and control the game,” he said, shaking his head as he recalled some of Uganda’s missed opportunities in recent matches.

Ssekandi believes the Cranes should work on improving their midfield control and offensive play, which he thinks will give them an edge in international competitions. “If we have a strong midfield and fast attackers, we can put pressure on other teams. We can’t just sit back and defend all the time,” he added.

The Cranes’ Mental Strength: A Key to Success

Mental strength and discipline on the field were other areas of concern for football fans in Kampala. Sarah Nakakande, a university student and a lifelong Cranes supporter, pointed out that the team often struggles in high-pressure situations.

“We have the talent, but when we face big teams or important games, it feels like we get nervous. The team needs to be mentally prepared for the pressure of international games,” she observed.

Nakakande also mentioned that more focus should be placed on team unity and confidence-building. “We need to work on the players’ mentality. They should believe that they can compete with the best in Africa and even the world,” she said, adding that psychological training could help boost the Cranes’ confidence and performance.

As we moved through the city, fans were divided on the importance of individual star players versus a strong team dynamic. Jackson Tumusiime, a trader at Owino Market, believes that Uganda needs more standout players who can lead the team in critical moments.

“Look at players like Mohamed Salah for Egypt or Sadio Mane for Senegal. These players are world-class, and they make a huge difference for their teams. Uganda needs one or two star players who can inspire the whole team,” he said.

However, not everyone agreed. Joyce Aine, a primary school teacher and dedicated Cranes fan, argued that teamwork is more important than having one or two stars.

“Football is about the whole team working together. We’ve seen teams with star players lose because they rely too much on one person. Uganda needs to focus on building a strong team where everyone plays their part,” she said firmly.

Hope for 2026 and Beyond

Despite the challenges, many fans remain optimistic about the Cranes’ future. Robert Mayanja, a businessman and football fanatic, expressed hope that the team will continue to improve before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

“We’ve come a long way, and I believe that with the right leadership and investment, the Cranes can make it to the World Cup. But we need to start now,” Mayanja said.

Fans also emphasized the importance of the Uganda Football Association (FUFA) in ensuring that the national team is well-prepared for future competitions. “It’s not just about the players; the whole system needs to support the team, from the coaches to the federation. Everyone needs to work together to make sure the Cranes succeed,” Mayanja added.

Fans Want More for the Cranes

As Uganda looks ahead to 2026, football fans across the country are united in their desire for change. Whether it’s through better coaching, investment in grassroots football, or improving tactical play, the message from the streets of Kampala is clear: Ugandans want their national team to reach new heights.

With passion and pride fueling the football culture, the Cranes have a loyal fanbase that is eager to see them succeed on the international stage. Now, it’s up to the players, coaches, and federation to make the necessary changes and give Ugandan football fans the victory they’ve long been waiting for.