As Uganda participates in the 2025 Afcon in Morocco, marking the nation’s eighth appearance in the biennial event, I find it prudent to rewind to when we gripped the continent back in 1978.
That 1978 Uganda national football team did the unthinkable to reach the Afcon final in Ghana. To this day, that squad continues to be celebrated for its vibrant, attacking style of play. Although the campaign ended in disappointment with a 0-2 loss to the host nation in the final, the 1978 run remains Uganda’s best performance in the tournament’s history since the nation’s debut in 1962.
So, let’s look back on the historic 1978 team, its players, technical staff and the preparations that led to their legendary journey.
PREPARATIONS
Uganda qualified for the 1978 Afcon by defeating Ethiopia 2–1 on aggregate on November 13, 1977 at Nakivubo stadium. Preparations began soon after.
The national team first traveled to Mogadishu, Somalia, for the 1977 Cecafa Cup, where they successfully defended the regional title by beating Zambia in a penalty shootout. Back home in January 1978, KCCA FC, whose squad included several national team players, took part in the Cecafa Club Championship held in Kampala.
KCCA coach, Bidandi Ssali, who also served as national team manager, used the club tournament to prepare his Cranes players. KCCA impressed, winning the championship after a penalty shootout victory over Tanzania’s Simba SC.
National team coach Peter Okee initially summoned 38 players to train for the Afcon tournament scheduled for March, 1978. The squad camped at the National Teachers College in Kyambogo and stayed at the Imperial hotel.
Shortly after arrival, Bidandi Ssali ensured every player signed a strict code of conduct. Star winger Denis Obua became its first casualty when he sneaked out of camp, an act that angered National Council of Sports (NCS) chairperson Abdallah Nasur, who ordered his immediate dismissal.
The final 22-man squad included 11 players from KCCA: goalkeepers Jamil Kasirye and Hussein Matovu, Jimmy Kirunda, Tom Lwanga, Ashe Mukasa, Sam Musenze, Rashid Mudin, Moses Nsereko, Timothy Ayiekoh, Moses Sentamu and Philip Omondi.
Five players came from Simba FC: goalkeeper Paul Ssali, Meddie Lubega, Polly Ouma, Godfrey Kisitu and Fred Isabirye. Maroons FC contributed three: Eddie Semwanga, Abbey Nasur and Mike Diku.
Barnabas Mwesiga and Mike Kiganda came from Nsambya FC while Jimmy Muguwa was selected from Uganda Commercial Bank FC. The delegation to Ghana was led by Fufa vice chairman Gerald Sendaula, with Dr Timothy Mutesasira serving as team physician.
UGANDA CRANES IN KUMASI
In the eight-team tournament [Afcon now has 24 teams] Uganda was drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Morocco, World Cup-bound Tunisia and Congo Brazzaville.
On March 6, Uganda opened their campaign with a 3–1 victory over Congo Brazzaville, thanks to goals from Omondi, Semwanga and Kisitu.
In that match, however, Polly Ouma suffered an injury that ruled him out for the rest of the tournament; he was replaced by Kisitu. Uganda then fell 1-3 to Tunisia before bouncing back emphatically in their final group match with a 3–0 thrashing of Morocco that sent them through as group winners.
In the semifinal, the Cranes made history by defeating Nigeria 2–1, with goals from Omondi and Nasur securing Uganda’s first-ever spot in an Afcon final.
THE FINAL IN ACCRA
Uganda faced Ghana in the final on March 16 in Accra. After traveling from their Kumasi base, the Ugandan squad reported poor treatment at their Accra hotel. Several players experienced food poisoning and loud music near the hotel caused sleepless nights.
These complaints against their hosts were ignored. Coach Okee’s starting lineup for the final was: Paul Ssali, Semwanga, Musenze, Lwanga, Kirunda, Kiganda, Nasur, Nsereko, Kisitu, Omondi and Isabirye.
Early in the match, Abbey Nasur fell ill and was replaced by Barnabas Mwesiga. The rest of the Ugandan side appeared physically weak and disjointed, while Ghana looked fresh and assertive.
Ghana led 1–0 by halftime and added a second goal in the second half. Okee brought on Meddie Lubega for Kisitu and pushed Kirunda forward, but the changes could not turn the tide.
Eventually, Ghana lifted the trophy with a 2–0 win. Despite the loss, Philip Omondi and Moses Nsereko were named to the tournament’s Best XI.
LEGACY
Though they fell short of the title, the 1978 Uganda Cranes achieved the nation’s greatest Afcon performance to date. So, as the current generation of Cranes competes in 2025, the question remains: can they come close to matching that historic feat? Only time will tell.
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