Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has announced a significant financial incentive for the national football team, pledging UGX 1.2 billion for every victory the Uganda Cranes secure during the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The announcement was made public by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, during a press briefing at Parliament on Monday. Addressing the team and the media, Among said the President’s offer was a demonstration of his continued commitment to the development of sports in Uganda.
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“Play with heart, play for your country, and play to win. The whole nation is behind you,” she said, quoting the President’s message. She also praised First Lady and Education Minister Janet Museveni for her ongoing support of sports in the country.
Further details of the reward were outlined by State Minister for Sports Peter Ogwang, who confirmed that each player would individually receive UGX 30 million for every match won during the tournament.
“This pledge is intended to motivate the players and boost team morale as they prepare to represent the country on home soil,” Ogwang explained.
Uganda is set to begin its CHAN campaign against Algeria at the newly renovated Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. The CHAN tournament is exclusive to players competing in their national domestic leagues.
The Cranes have also received support from the private sector. Businessman and sports enthusiast Hamis Kiggundu, widely known as Ham, has pledged UGX 20 million for every win the team secures. In a statement, he described the gesture as an investment in national pride.
“Our athletes carry the Ugandan flag on their shoulders. Supporting them is the least we can do to encourage excellence and patriotism,” he said.
Speaker Among also contributed financially, donating $20,000 to the team and promising to match the amount after each win.
“This is about more than just football. It’s a celebration of who we are and what we can achieve as a country,” she added.
With Uganda yet to progress beyond the group stage in previous CHAN editions, expectations are high. Head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojević said the players were mentally and physically prepared for the task ahead, especially with the renewed backing from both state and private supporters.
“This is not just a competition—it’s a national mission. The players understand what’s at stake and are fully committed,” Micho said during a training session at Namboole.
The Cranes squad features only home-based players, mainly from clubs in the Uganda Premier League, in accordance with CHAN regulations. Team captain Milton Karisa urged fans to come out in large numbers and support the team.
“We’re ready to fight for the badge. This is our moment, and we’ll give everything we’ve got,” he said.
The upcoming match against Algeria will also mark the reopening of Mandela National Stadium for competitive football, following years of closure due to its deteriorating condition. Recent upgrades, funded by the Ugandan government and executed with assistance from Chinese contractors, have restored the venue to international standards.
For fans, the return to Namboole adds emotional significance to the tournament.
“We’ve waited a long time for this,” said Patrick Owor, a fan who traveled from Arua. “Now that the stadium is back and the Cranes are playing with such backing, we expect something special.”
With more than a billion shillings per win at stake, Uganda’s CHAN campaign carries both national pride and unprecedented financial motivation.
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