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AFCON DREAM ENDS: SAM SSIMBWA DROPPED FROM CRANES TECHNICAL STAFF

Local legend Sam Ssimbwa was suddenly dropped from the Uganda Cranes technical team, citing betrayal. His AFCON dream is over due to alleged 'character issues.'

AFCON Dream Ends: Sam Ssimbwa Dropped From Cranes Technical Staff
Ssimbwa Axed Despite Experience

For a while, Sam Ssimbwa was the link between Paul Put and the local football scene, a job he did well.

You could hear the disappointment in Ssimbwa's voice. He sounded like someone who thought he deserved to go to Morocco.

The Africa Cup of Nations was supposed to be another big moment in his Uganda Cranes career.

Instead, just before the team was set to play Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria, he was dropped from the technical team. Word is that Put fired him, leaving him feeling betrayed.

Sources say Ssimbwa had already picked his 27-man squad after Put asked him to.

They even had a long talk about tactics at Put's house, and Ssimbwa was sure that Put valued his advice and wanted him around for the Morocco trip.

Then, he got a termination letter from FUFA CEO Edgar Watson.

"Yes, my contract ended," Ssimbwa said, "but I should have had the chance to help my country." One reason I was hired was to help the team get back to AFCON. It's sad that I've been let go. Other people on the team don't have contracts either. Why me?

Ssimbwa, the only Ugandan who applied for the Cranes job before Put got it, joined Put's staff soon after he was hired two years ago.

For months, he helped Put understand local football, a role he took seriously.

But things started to go wrong halfway through.

The first sign was during the Chan tournament in August. Even though Ssimbwa helped pick the players, he wasn't involved in the event.

Instead, Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza coached the team, leading Uganda to the last 16 for the first time ever.

People in Mengo say that Ssimbwa's contract wasn't renewed because of character issues, which hurts a man who played for the Cranes and assisted coaches like Lazlo Csaba in 2007.

His experience didn't matter this time.

The signs of a split were there last month.

Ssimbwa wasn't on the bench during the friendlies against Chad and Morocco, even though he traveled with the team.

Rumors said that he and Put weren't getting along, and they only seemed to patch things up after Put signed his new contract.

Now, Muhumuza is expected to join Put's permanent staff.

Put now has to show that firing Ssimbwa was the right move as he leads Uganda into Afcon 2025 and the 2027 Pamoja Afcon at home.

UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE

The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.

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She Cranes Crush Zimbabwe 60-38 in Africa Netball Cup

Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.

After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.

The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.

After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.

As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.

In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.

Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.

In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.

Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.

The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.

Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.

DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF

Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.

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Bogere's AFCON Prep Before Joining AGF U19S.

James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.

Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.

Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.

Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

About AGF Aarhus:

Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening

Location: Aarhus, Denmark

Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)

Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)

Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen

Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).

History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.

With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba

Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.

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