Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has signed a new deal that will keep him in charge of the national team until 2028.
The renewal was confirmed on Wednesday morning during a press conference at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
The contract extension secures Put’s leadership through, among others, two major tournaments, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the 2027 edition that Uganda will co-host with Kenya and Tanzania.
FUFA First Vice President Justus Mugisha said the decision reflected the federation’s confidence in the Belgian coach.
“The FUFA Executive Committee made a rare decision to renew Coach Paul Put’s contract, a testament to his outstanding performance. The federation beat off strong competition from some of Africa’s top and wealthiest footballing nations that were after him,” Mugisha said.
Put’s previous two-year contract, signed in November 2023, had expired this month, sparking speculation about his future.
Reports had linked him with the Cameroon national team, but FUFA’s move to renew his deal ends the uncertainty.
Since taking charge, Put has revived the Uganda Cranes with a disciplined and balanced playing style.
His biggest achievements include guiding Uganda to qualification for the 2025 AFCON after finishing second behind South Africa and reaching the CHAN quarterfinals for the first time.
He also rejuvenated the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, although the country fell short of their maiden progression.
Notably, Put has integrated both local and foreign-based players, including new additions Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi.
His record stands at 25 matches with 14 wins, 3 draws, and 8 losses, giving him a 56 percent win rate. In competitive fixtures, his win percentage rises to 67 percent with 12 wins from 18 games.
The renewal stabilizes the team ahead of the upcoming November international break. At the press conference, Put named a 28-man squad for friendly matches in Morocco, where Uganda will face the hosts and other top African sides.
