After hours of negotiations, FUFA and Uganda Cranes players finally reached a deal over a bonus row that could have jeopardized the team’s performance at the ongoing Afcon 2019 in Egypt.
Uganda, who made it to the last 16 in 41 years after settling for second place in group A behind hosts and record 7-time winners Egypt, face Africa’s top ranked side Senegal this Friday.
However, the players went on strike and refused to train on Tuesday before calling off the strike late on Wednesday. The details of the deal were not fully revealed but FUFA had threatened to write to CAF asking for withdraw had the two parties failed to agree.
According to a statement by FUFA, the federation held an emergency committee on Wednesday; as earlier tipped by this website and resolved as follows as per the statement released on Wednesday: “Further to our earlier statement about the Uganda Cranes for the AFCON 2019 remunerations structure, FUFA hereby reaffirms that the Allowances for the Uganda Cranes since 13th May 2019 to 30th June 2019 inclusive of the winning bonuses for the DR Congo and Zimbabwe matches have been duly paid and received by the beneficiaries. This amounts to 55m UGX per player who has been with the team from inception. Despite the above efforts and clarifications, the continued desire by the players to be rewarded beyond the agreed structure for the historic qualification to the Round of 16 continues to be a concern of the playing staff. Considering the magnitude and importance of the event of Uganda Cranes match against the Teranga Lions of Senegal, the interests of the Nation, Government, the Sponsors, and the gallant fans, FUFA has agreed to pay 6,000 USD over and above the agreed terms in the Code of Conduct and that matters of Finances will not be discussed until the end of Uganda cranes participation in the Tournament. This position has been duly communicated to the Players.
It is therefore expected that the technical preparation of the Team ahead of the match with Senegal will continue in accordance with the Programme of the Coach. It is Our Game, It is Our Country,” read the statement. Ahmed Hussein, the FUFA Communications manager and also Cranes spokes person confirmed that all the players took part in the Wednesday evening training.
