Museveni gives Shs3.7b to Uganda Cranes

President Yoweri Museveni Yesterday evening hosted the Uganda Cranes team and officials at Entebbe State House following their arrival from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Cranes were eliminated at the round of 16 stage by Senegal 1-0 at the Cairo International Stadium but the President Museveni hailed their efforts and donated one million dollars (about Shs3.7 billion) to be shared between the team and officials.

“I’m very happy the Uganda Cranes went up to the last 16. I know we will perform better next time. I will organize $1 million with the government to distribute it among the players and officials. Of course, the officials will not get as much as the players,” Museveni said.

The team’s performance was an improvement from the previous tournament in Gabon 2017 and Museveni urged them to keep their momentum.

“Although we didn’t win all our fixtures, we made a good effort and achieved some reasonable success. I don’t know how Senegal got that goal. I see our players are all fit young people. All they need is more stamina. I thank the team once again,” the president said.

On the road to the knockout round, Uganda Cranes picked a 2-0 win against DR Congo, 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe and lost 2-0 to the host Egypt before falling 1-0 to Senegal.

The team will now focus on Somalia in the first round of 2020 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers on July 27.