“God had to rescue you”: Museveni teases Uganda Cranes on defense lapses

• President Museveni hosted Uganda Cranes at State House after their CHAN success, recalling their dramatic draw with South Africa.
• He teased the players, especially the defense, joking that “God had to come from heaven and rescue” them during the game.
• Museveni stressed discipline and structure in football, rewarded the team financially, and encouraged them to stay united for future tournaments.

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on Wednesday night lightened the mood at State House Entebbe when he hosted the Uganda Cranes team following their impressive CHAN tournament. The President recalled their recent thrilling 3–3 draw with South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium. The President, known for mixing humor with wisdom, teased the players about their defensive lapses during the high stakes encounter.

Apparently, Museveni told the squad that while watching the match, he briefly left the screen, only to return and find the Cranes trailing by a goal. With a chuckle, he said it felt as though divine intervention was needed to save the team and indeed it did.

“There was another game later where God had to come from heaven and rescue directly. I think you had scored first, but when I came back, your defense was nowhere to be seen and the goal was left empty,” he said, prompting laughter from players and officials.

The President singled out the goalkeeper, Joel Mutakubwa and defenders, playfully asking them to explain why they all pushed forward, leaving the net exposed.

“Why do you all go to attack and leave the goalkeeper alone? In the army, everyone must stay in their area of responsibility. Football should be the same,” Museveni remarked, comparing military discipline and sports.

Cranes coach for the CHAN tournament, Morley Byekwaso admitted the team lost shape under pressure.

“Our defense started panicking and we lost organization. The goalkeeper wanted to do more but found himself out of position,” he explained.

Museveni then called upon Joel Mutakubwa to defend himself who also called the full back to explain the mess. The full back, responding to the President, defended the decision to press forward.

“At that moment, we were attacking, and when South Africa countered, the defense was high up the pitch. We had cover, but eventually we could not stop the goals.”

Museveni, still in light spirits, reminded the squad about the importance of structure.

“If everybody stayed in their responsibilities, you would be more efficient. Football, like the army, works best when every player does their job.”

The evening ended on a cheerful note, with the President encouraging the team to stay disciplined, focused, and united as they continue their journey on the continental stage in other tournaments. It should be noted that the President gave the team Shs 1.2b for every win they recorded.