Despite Uganda’s crucial 1-0 victory over Guinea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, head coach Paul Put has voiced his disappointment over the low turnout at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The Belgian tactician believes that a stadium full to capacity could have provided an additional boost to the team’s performance.
“Unfortunately, the stadium was not full; we missed the support of the ones that didn’t watch the game today,” Put lamented.
The coach’s concerns are valid, as the presence of a larger, more vocal crowd offers players an extra surge of motivation and creates an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams.
The match, which saw Allan Okello’s sublime free-kick secure all three points for the Cranes, was pivotal in keeping Uganda’s World Cup dreams alive.
However, the sight of numerous empty seats was a stark reminder of the challenges in rallying fan support.
Historically, Namboole has been a fortress for the national team, with packed stands amplifying the home advantage.
The diminished attendance for such a critical fixture raises questions about fan engagement and the factors contributing to the decline in match-day turnout.
The cost of tickets, which were picked at UGX 30,000 for ordinary on the day, could be seen as one of the reasons for a low fan turnout.
Uganda, which is now six fourth in Group G, six points behind leaders Algeria, will host its upcoming World Cup qualifying fixtures at home against Mozambique and Somalia in September.
A vibrant home support will be vital if the country is to qualify for the biggest football tournament in the world for the first time in its history.
