Uganda U17, Lady Cranes, and Gazelles Honoured for Historic Wins

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Uganda’s sports fraternity to work with the Ministry of Health to promote public health education, especially proper nutrition and discipline among the youth.

“Why can’t the sports fraternity partner with the Ministry of Health through the districts and go on radio every two weeks to talk about good nutrition, public health, and discipline?” he asked.

He emphasized the need for families to feed children properly, adding, “Matooke with salt is not enough. We must teach people about body-building foods, proteins, and how to avoid diseases caused by alcohol and promiscuity.”

The President made the remarks while hosting a colourful luncheon at State House Entebbe to celebrate Uganda’s national sports teams. He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni.

The event honoured three national teams:

• The Uganda U17 Men’s National Football Team (The Cubs), who made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2025 — the first FUFA team to reach the World Cup in 100 years.
• The Senior Women’s National Basketball Team (The Gazelles), who won the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Zone 5 Championships in Egypt and qualified for the AfroBasket 2025 in Côte d’Ivoire.
• The Uganda Lady Cranes 15s, who won the Rugby Africa Cup Division 1 tournament in Côte d’Ivoire and were promoted to the Africa Performance Division.

President Museveni praised the teams, saying their success is thanks to peace, stability, and an improved education system. He added that talent has started to emerge with the introduction of Universal Primary Education, even before investments in nutrition or sports infrastructure.

He listed key ongoing and planned stadium projects, including Namboole, Hoima, Akii Bua, and Nakivubo, and called for the renovation of older facilities like Kakyeka and Maluku.

“I ask the technical team to find affordable ways to repair stadiums. With peace, education, stadiums, and nutrition awareness, we shall go far,” he said.

The President also applauded Maama Janet for her leadership and support for sports. He reflected on his own days as a sportsman in the 1960s and praised the progress in women’s sports, noting how Ugandan women are now excelling in basketball and rugby.

“Uganda’s terrain gives us natural athletic advantages,” he added, noting the strength of athletes from Kapchorwa, Lango, and Teso.

He also encouraged a culture of discipline and frugality, like that of the UPDF, to build a strong foundation for sports development.

Maama Janet Museveni thanked the President for supporting sports and recognized Uganda’s growing international sports presence.

“We know this progress is possible because of peace and stability,” she said, also thanking the government for investing in sports infrastructure.

She urged young athletes to embrace discipline and spiritual values: “Discipline is key to lasting success. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” she said.

She cautioned them against social vices such as sexual immorality and substance abuse.

“Private discipline leads to public success,” she noted.

She concluded by appreciating the efforts of all stakeholders in football, basketball, and rugby.

State Minister for Primary Education, Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, praised the President’s gesture as a strong show of support for sports. She said it inspires the youth and reinforces sports as a key pillar of national pride and development.

“Such recognition is more than ceremonial. It boosts morale and highlights our government’s commitment to talent development,” she said.

She also applauded the First Lady’s role in promoting sports and mobilizing resources for infrastructure and inclusive participation.

Hon. Kaducu encouraged athletes to stay focused and resilient.

The event was attended by FUFA President Hon. Moses Magogo, and other sports leaders, coaches, and managers.