Uganda extends head coach Paul Put’s contract until 2028

Uganda have extended the head coach Paul Put contract to 2028, a vote of confidence that comes just one month before the Cranes head into the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,ending speculations over the future of the Belgian tactician.

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) confirmed the renewal in Kampala, framing the decision as a commitment to stability and continuity ahead of a pivotal two-year cycle that includes AFCON 2027 on home soil.

FUFA said Put’s brief extends beyond the senior side to the CHAN team and the U23s, with the Belgian to continue leading strategy and player selection across the men’s pathway.

FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson acknowledged recent uncertainty and used the announcement to calm nerves.

He said: “We have noticed a lot of anxiety in some sectors of the public recently. Rumours and speculations concerning the Head Coach of the Uganda Cranes.

Put, who took charge in 2023, said the decision reinforces the federation’s trust as Uganda target a strong AFCON and a deep run when the country co-hosts in 2027.

“For the extension of the contract I can say that I am very happy and I am proud because when I signed for the first time the President asked me to build a strong team for 2027.”

He said support from within the camp helped shape his choice. “You cannot imagine how many messages I received from my players who asked me to continue with Uganda and I always felt very good in Uganda. I felt respected by the Federation by players and also by fans.”

With the AFCON window looming and two high-value friendlies in the diary, Uganda’s message is clear: continuity on the touchline, clarity of purpose, and a push to convert recent promise—CHAN quarter-finals and a near miss in World Cup qualifying—into major-tournament impact.

Uganda Cranes are in group C in the 35th AFCON finals alongside Nigeria,Tunisia and East African neighbours Tanzania and will get their campaign underway on 23rd of next month against Tunisia.