Uganda’s Football Association has extended coach Paul Put’s contract ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Uganda has moved to end speculation over the future of the Belgian by renewing the head coach’s contract to 2028, a vote of confidence that comes just one month before the Cranes head into the AFCON in Morocco.
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 Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson acknowledged recent uncertainty and used the announcement to calm nerves.
“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.
“I am here and delighted to announce to you that FUFA has agreed with Coach Paul Put to a new contract as the Head Coach of the Uganda Cranes for the next two and a half years starting with immediate effect.”
Watson underlined the time horizon, noting it spans the tournament Uganda will co-host.
“The duration covers the period under which Uganda will host the AFCON 2027 under the PAMOJA arrangement,” he said, adding that Put “remains Head Coach of the senior team, CHAN team and also the under-23 boys team” and will steer selection and overall technical direction.
First Vice President Justus Mugisha said the extension reflects performance and alignment with FUFA’s technical master plan.
“This is in line with the profound vision of building number one both on and off the field and also from the work done by our coach in the recent past, where we nearly qualified for the World Cup and where our National Team performed very well in CHAN; for the very first time, we reached the quarter-finals.”
Mugisha added, “We are confident at FUFA that you will take us to the real top as far as African football is concerned, and maybe, you never know, even the next World Cup.”
Put, who took charge in 2023, said the decision reinforces the federation’s trust as Uganda targets 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.”
“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.”
