Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has rallied the Uganda Cranes ahead of their 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) opener against Algeria, offering both encouragement and financial support during a surprise visit to the team’s training camp on Sunday.
With Uganda set to kick off their campaign on Monday night at Namboole Stadium, Among called on the players to rise to the occasion and deliver for the country.
“Play with heart, play for your country, and play to win. The whole nation is behind you,” she told the team, while relaying a message of support from President Yoweri Museveni, whom she described as “Uganda football’s number one fan.”
The Speaker described the Cranes’ participation as an act of patriotism that could inspire millions of Ugandans and reaffirmed State House’s commitment to supporting the team throughout the tournament.
In a major morale boost, Among donated $20,000 to the squad and pledged to match the amount for every win.
She also delivered UGX 20 million from businessman Hamis Kiggundu, commonly known as Ham, who likewise promised a UGX 20 million reward for each victory.
“These contributions are not just money; they’re motivation,” said Among. “We believe in you, and we want you to believe in yourselves.”
She also promised to lobby the President to offer additional rewards depending on the team’s performance.
Uganda is co-hosting CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania and will stage Group C fixtures in Namboole.
The Cranes are aiming to make history by progressing beyond the group stage for the first time, having failed to do so in all six of their previous appearances.
They open their campaign against Algeria, a side that also handed Uganda a 2-0 defeat during the Cranes’ CHAN debut in 2011.
Group C includes tough opponents in Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger.
