As Uganda prepares to host the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), a sense of renewed hope surrounds the national team — the Uganda Cranes. With Group C action kicking off on August 4th against Algeria at Namboole Stadium, the team is counting on more than just youthful energy and home advantage.
Among the 25-man squad, five players return to CHAN duty, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the campaign. These seasoned Cranes — Yunus Sentamu, Joel Mutakubwa, Karim Watambala, Marvin Joseph Youngman, and Hilary Mukundane — have been through the rigours of CHAN before, and this time, they’re determined to rewrite history.
Uganda is making its seventh CHAN appearance and is yet to make it past the group stages. The return of these five battle-hardened players could be the spark needed to break that ceiling.
- Yunus Sentamu – Forward, Vipers SC
CHAN Appearances: 2014 (South Africa)
A decade ago, Sentamu lit up CHAN 2014 with three goals — a brace against Burkina Faso and one against Morocco. Now 29, the striker returns with maturity and international experience from stints in DR Congo, Tunisia, Finland, and Albania.
“In 2014, I came in as a boy full of dreams. I’m back now as a man with a mission,” Sentamu stated. “This isn’t just about me scoring goals. It’s about leading a team to achieve what we’ve never done before — especially in front of our people.”
- Joel Mutakubwa – Goalkeeper, Bul FC
CHAN Appearances: 2020 (Cameroon), 2022 (Algeria)
Mutakubwa’s rise from third-choice goalkeeper in 2020 to Uganda’s first-choice shot-stopper in 2024 tells a story of resilience. Now wearing the number one jersey, he’s expected to be a key figure in Uganda’s defensive setup.
“I’ve watched from the bench, learned from the best, and now it’s my turn. I’m not just guarding the goal — I’m protecting Uganda’s hopes,” said Mutakubwa.
- Karim Watambala – Midfielder, Vipers SC
CHAN Appearances: 2020 (Cameroon), 2022 (Algeria)
After playing a supporting role in previous CHAN editions, Watambala is poised to step up in 2024. With his ability to win the ball and cover ground, the midfielder is expected to be a game-changer.
“The previous editions prepared me for this. I’ve grown through them. This time I’m not coming to learn — I’m coming to impact,” he noted.
- Marvin Joseph Youngman – Midfielder, Vipers SC
CHAN Appearances: 2022 (Algeria)
Youngman impressed in Algeria with composed displays against DR Congo and Senegal. His calmness under pressure and vision in midfield could prove crucial in Uganda’s home campaign.
“Playing in Algeria opened my eyes to the intensity of CHAN. Now I know what it takes. Being at home makes this even more meaningful,” Youngman reflected.
- Hilary Mukundane – Defender, Vipers SC
CHAN Appearances: 2022 (Algeria)
Although he didn’t get minutes in Algeria, Mukundane returns stronger after a title-winning season with Vipers SC. The determined centre-back is eager to prove himself in this edition.
“In 2022, I watched from the sidelines. It gave me hunger. Now, I’ve earned my spot through performance,” said Mukundane.
Group C Fixtures – Uganda Cranes at CHAN 2024 (Namboole Stadium):
Vs Algeria – August 4
Vs Guinea – August 8
Vs Niger – August 11
Vs South Africa – August 18
