Tanzania Premier League side Simba SC has confirmed the signing of Uganda Cranes forward Steven Dese Mukwala.

Mukwala has joined the Tanzanian side on a three-employment contract that will see him play for Simba until June 2027.

Mukwala joins the Reds of Msimbabazi from Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko where he won many hearts and became a fans’ favourite.

In Ghana, Mukwala scored 25 league goals in the two seasons he played at Asante Kotoko.

Mukwala joins Simba SC at a time when they seek to rebuild and end Young Africans’ dominance in Tanzania.

Simba finished third on the log with 69 points. On the other hand, Young Africans accumulated 80 points in 30 games to win the 30th league title.

Mukwala joins the likes of Emmanuel Okwi, Simon Sserunkuma, Murushid Jjuuko and Taddeo Lwanga as the Ugandans who have played for Simba SC.

Uganda Premier League side URA Football Club has confirmed the departure of defender Najib Fesali.

Fesali will depart from the Tax Collectors’ camp after a stint of five years.

The development was made via the club’s official website today Monday, July 1, 2024.

“Defender Najib Fesali has departed the club following the expiration of his contract,” the statement partly reads.

Fesali joined the Tax Collectors from Kyagwe Ssaza in 2019. Since then, the defender has experienced growth as a player.

While at the club, Fesali has played 52 games accumulating 4034 minutes. He scored four goals and made one assist.

Reports indicate Fesali has completed a deal with UPL side BUL FC.

At BUL, Fesali will join the club as a direct replacement for Ronald Otti who joined Kitara on a one-year employment contract.

Fesali will soon reunite with Abbey Bogere Kikomeko with whom they worked at Jinja Secondary School, a strong side in school football.

Uganda Cranes attacker Steven Desse Mukwala has bid farewell to Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko.

The announcement was confirmed through an emotional video that was posted on Monday morning.

“This is probably the saddest day of my life. As I say good to the home, that has given me a platform to grow my career. I want to thank His Majesty, the King who welcomed me to Ghana,” he emotionally said.

“I am greatly honoured by the words of wisdom of the King. I am glad to be part of the profound family. I hold you so dear in my heart because you are the best,” he stated.

The pacy forward shared his gratitude to the coaches, teammates, and fans who made his stay in Kumasi, Ghana worthy.

Mukwala’s name will forever be remembered in Ghana as he concluded the previous season as the club’s top scorer.

Reports indicate that several teams are chasing the forward’s signature, though Tanzania’s big spenders Simba SC is leading the race.

Seven months into Paul Put’s reign as the Uganda Cranes coach, there is new hope and confidence in the national team’s rebuild.

That and more was seen in the recent two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches against Botswana and Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

After the 1-0 victory against Botswana, Ugandans flooded Namboole with the hope of killing off wounded Desert Foxes. Travis Mutyaba’s early goal lit up the crowd, but later on, the tables changed as the visitors scored two goals in the second half.

Surprisingly, even after the loss, Ugandans applauded the boys because of the great fight staged against the Desert Foxes under the floodlights.

Looking at the recent games, the team is on the right path and the 68-year-old gaffer believes the team will pick lessons that will be helpful in the journey from now on.

“I think we did well in the first half because I think we were more dangerous than Algeria. However, we were missing experience in the team,” he stated.

“The loss on Monday gives us a number of lessons to take home. Playing against big teams creates confidence, and I know we shall keep improving as a team,” he added.

“We shall go back and analyse so that we know what exactly we have to ask the players to improve while on the other hand, we can only appreciate them for the good things done.”

The gaffer also credited the fans for turning up in big numbers and further asked them to keep behind the team during this rebuilding process.

“I am so sorry that we did not win or draw against Algeria, but I appreciate all of you (fans) for turning up in high numbers. I ask you to keep supporting the team during this process,” he concluded.

After the four games played, Uganda Cranes have six points after two wins (Somalia and Botswana) and two losses (Guinea and Algeria).

Uganda Cranes return to action on Wednesday, 19th March 2025, as they visit Mozambique on the fifth matchday of the ongoing qualifiers.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

• Monday, June 10, 2024
• Uganda 1-2 Algeria

Uganda Cranes suffered a 2-1 loss to Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday.

While Uganda took a 1-0 lead in the first half, Algeria returned in the second half ruthless and claimed all the maximum points on the day.

Travis Mutyaba opened the scoring for Uganda with a powerful low shot that found the back of the net in the early minutes.

The midfield battle intensified as the half progressed. Fahad Bayo dispossessed an Algerian player in midfield and found Steven Mukwala on the right flank. Mukwala’s curling effort went just wide after a sliding tackle by Madani Mohamed conceded a corner to Uganda.

Uganda continued to press, with Mutyaba and Kenneth Semakula combining to set up Mukwala for another chance. However, his effort sailed narrowly wide.

Algeria threatened late in the first half when Ronald Sekiganda’s loose pass found Bounedjah Baghdad. Lwaliwa made a crucial block to deny Baghdad’s goal attempt.

Rogers Mato’s powerful shot from distance was well-saved by Algerian goalkeeper Anthony Manderea in the closing minutes of the first half.

The second half saw a quick turnaround in fortunes. Houssem Aouar equalized for Algeria with a powerful close-range effort just two minutes after the restart.

Uganda then had a penalty shout denied when Rogers Mato was brought down in the box.

Algeria took the lead in the 58th minute through Benrahma Moamed. A defensive lapse by the Ugandan backline allowed the Desert Foxes to break through and take control of the match.

Despite the strong fight from the boys, the visitors took advantage as they stretched to nine points.

Uganda Cranes remain on six points in four games, having registered two victories and as many losses.

Elsewhere, Botswana registered a 3-1 victory against Somalia in the other game played in Group G of the ongoing Qualifiers.

• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
• HT: Uganda 1-0 Algeria

At the break, Uganda Cranes lead Algeria 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers encounter at Mandela National Stadium.

Travis Mutyaba broke the deadlock with a powerful low effort that hit the inside of the frame before rolling into the back of the net.

Six minutes later, Halidi Lwaliwa nearly connected into Uganda’s net, but goalkeeper Ismail Watenga was quick to save the moment.

In the 30th minute, Fahad Bayo won possession in the middle park before releasing Steven Mukwala on the right flank, but Madani Mohamed’s sliding tackle awarded Uganda a corner kick.

The boys got into a rhythm as the first half neared the end. Mutyaba and Kenneth Semakula connected with Mukwala, but his resultant curling effort went narrowly wide.

Ronald Sekiganda’s lose pass nearly cost the team, but Lwaliwa’s timely block kept Bounedjah Baghdad’s effort far from the target.

Rogers Mato’s powerful effort on target was palmed away by Algeria’s custodian Anthony Manderea in the 43rd minute.

Algeria’s best chance came at the end of the first stanza as Benrahma Moamed’s effort bounced off the frame before it was fully gripped by the custodian Watenga.

Uganda Cranes’ head coach has made changes to the team that will take on Algeria in the 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Two changes have been made to the team that started against Botswana last Friday.

Bobosi Byaruhanga starts in midfield alongside Ronald Ssekigaanda and Kenneth Ssenmakula is pushed to right back in the place of Elvis Bwomono.

Roger Mato takes the place of Allan Okello to join Faahad Bayo and Steven Mukwala to make up the front three.

Travis Mutyaba maintains his number ten role and is tasked with creating for the front three.

Isaac Muleme maintains his place at left back while Halidi Lwaliwa and Elio Capradossi will pair up in the head of defence.

Isam Watenga leads the group from between the sticks.

2026 FIFA World Cup | Fixture

• Monday, June 10, 2024
• Uganda vs Algeria – 7 PM

Uganda Cranes lock horns with Algeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers encounter at Mandela Namboole Stadium, Namboole on Monday.

The Cranes come into this game with six points in two group games, thus attaining immense confidence ahead of the game against Algeria.

In the pre-match conference, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put acknowledged the fact that Algeria is a big country, but they are ready to fight.

“Algeria is one of the best teams in Africa, so it will not be an easy game,” the gaffer stated.

“According to what I observed in the game against Botswana. I believe to have the potential to make it hard for Algeria,” he added.

“We respect them and cannot underestimate them. They have good players that play in big teams, but after their loss to Guinea, they will come all out.”

“We have to be careful because Algeria has had more preparations. It’s very hard to prepare a team for a game after two days, though we have to show a good mentality and mindset.”

Head to head

The two nations have played 14 games against each other. Algeria has won on six occasions, and Uganda has secured a victory thrice while they have shared spoils in five games.

Algeria has been a bitter opponent to Uganda, having secured three straight wins in the last three meetings.

Team News

Uganda Cranes captain, Khalid Aucho is set to miss the game due to an injury suffered before joining the camp.

On the other hand, Algeria comes into the game without the services of Riyad Mahrez, Islam Sliman, Ramy Bansebaini, and Youcef Atal.

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• FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
• Monday, June 10, 2023
• Uganda vs Algeria – 7 PM

Uganda Cranes will be taking on Algeria in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers encounter at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Monday.

The Cranes skipper Ismail Watenga believes that the ambience created by the home crowd with be key to igniting the fight in the clash against Algeria.

“I call upon the fans to turn in high numbers so that we can take on the Algeria challenge as a nation,” the skipper said in the press conference ahead of the game.

“I thank all the fans who attended the last game. Each time they screamed in the stands the players were motivated and pushed for the victory (against Botswana),” he added.

“For the next game, we are ready as players and we badly want victory. The coaches have prepared us well and I think as a team we are ready to fight for maximum points.”

“The coaches have done their job and it’s now up to us the players to implement what we have been training. We know it’s a tough game but we are going to fight and leave everything on the field.”

In the last training, Uganda Cranes legends like Denis Onyango, Simione Masaba and Timothy Batabaire turned up during the team’s last training and Watenga credited the kind action.

“I thank the senior players like Denis Onyango for turning up to motivate the players. It’s a kind gesture and we (players) thank him for standing with the team,” he concluded.

A victory against Algeria would send Uganda Cranes to the top of the group with nine points in four games.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | Results

• Friday, June 7, 2023
• Uganda 1-0 Botswana

Uganda Cranes secured a 1-0 victory over Botswana in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday.

Muhammad Shaban’s goal gave the Cranes maximum points in the colourful return to their home.

It was an electric ambience from the start as the fans kept on top of their voices chanting and drumming to give the players on the pitch the desired morale.

Uganda’s best chance came in the eighth minute as Fahad Bayo’s header off Steven Mukwala’s delivery went narrowly wide of the frame.

A couple of minutes later, Fahad Bayo headed Steven Mukwala’s cross from the left over the bar as the Cranes continued to press for an early goal.

Elvis Bwomono’s effort was sent into the side netting for a corner that Ronald Ssekiganda headed over Allan Okello’s corner.

Bayo missed the biggest chance of the game as he headed wide Okello’s telling delivery in the 30th minute of the game.

At the start of the second half, Paul Put introduces Rogers Mato for Okello in Uganda Cranes’first change.

Coming from the locker rooms, the Cranes kept throwing bodies upfront in search of an opener but Sekiganda’s effort went narrowly wide in the 55th minute.

Five minutes later, Shaban Muhammad and Bobosi Byraruhanga replaced Bwomono and Mukwala.

Shaban broke the deadlock with a touch off Omedi’s cross before Namboole erupted in jubilation.

The victory takes Uganda to six points levelled with Guinea and Algeria in Group G.

Uganda Cranes will return to action on Monday, June 9 as they take on Algeria.