Former Uganda Cranes captain Emmanuel Arnold Okwi has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable career that saw him don the national team jersey 95 times over 15 years.
In a social media statement, Okwi expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent Uganda on the global stage, calling it a “privilege and honour” to have played for the Cranes. His journey began in 2009 when he made his debut under then-head coach Bobby Williamson. Since then, he has cemented his legacy as one of Uganda’s finest forwards, scoring 28 goals for the national team—22 of which came in competitive matches, making him the country’s all-time leading scorer in such fixtures.
Okwi, 32, played a pivotal role in Uganda’s resurgence in continental football, notably featuring at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he scored against DR Congo and Zimbabwe. Following the retirement of legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango in 2021, Okwi was handed the captain’s armband, leading the team until his final appearance in 2023 during the AFCON Qualifiers.
His decision to step away from international duty comes at a time when East African football is poised for a new era, with the region set to host the CHAN tournament later this year and the AFCON in 2027. “I believe it is time for me to bow out and pave the way for our talented young football players,” Okwi noted in his farewell message.
At club level, Okwi continues to showcase his talent, currently playing for Rwandan side Kiyovu SC. His club career has seen him grace several teams across Africa and beyond, including SC Villa, Simba SC, Young Africans, Etoile du Sahel, SonderjyskE, Al Ittihad, Al Zawra’a, and Erbil SC.
