Sebastian Fisher Scott made an immediate impact on his Uganda Cubs debut, scoring a hat-trick in Uganda’s emphatic 8-0 victory over Burundi in the opening Group B match of the CECAFA U17 AFCON 2027 qualifiers at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda on Saturday after coming from the bench.
The striker is eligible to represent Uganda through his mother, Kate Fisher, is part of the Fisher family’s growing connection with Ugandan football. His brother, Oliver Fisher, is also pursuing an international football career with Uganda’s U20 national team.
Sebastian’s three-goal performance offered a memorable start to his journey in Uganda colours, turning the story of two brothers who embraced their Ugandan heritage into one of the talking points of the regional tournament.
The Uganda Cubs secured a commanding win through goals from Sebastian, Junior Afoyrwoth, Arnold Kayemba, Arafat Ibanda and Nicholas Kawooya. Kayemba scored twice, while Sebastian’s hat-trick headlined a dominant display by the team.
For Sebastian, the occasion marked the culmination of months of preparation, adaptation and a decision to represent the country of his maternal heritage.
A family connection that opened the door to Uganda
The Fisher brothers, Oliver and Sebastian, were raised in Scotland and currently play for Scottish side Partick Thistle. Their mother, Kate, was born in Uganda, where their grandparents lived for about five years, while their father, Scott Fisher, is a former footballer.
Their opportunity to represent Uganda emerged earlier in 2026 following discussions involving their father and football consultant Segun Jegede. The process subsequently involved consultations and the completion of the necessary eligibility documentation with FUFA.
The family welcomed the opportunity, viewing it as a chance for the boys to connect with their Ugandan roots while pursuing their ambitions in football.
‘To me it was a very big surprise but we were very excited and are very honoured to be here for Uganda national teams. It’s a great honour and we are very happy to accept the call-up and be here,’ Oliver said during their initial visit.
Sebastian shared his brother’s excitement, explaining that their parents were equally delighted by the opportunity to represent Uganda.
‘Our mother was very excited as well, first of all that she was born here and that we are also making it here. Father as well, he was very happy and positive. He is very excited and takes it as a great opportunity for us,’ Sebastian said.
Adapting to Ugandan football
The brothers arrived in Uganda in August 2026 and experienced the country’s football environment through training with the junior national teams.
Oliver, a goalkeeper, joined the Uganda U20 national team during preparations for the CECAFA U20 AFCON qualifiers in Tanzania, where Uganda finished third. He later returned to Scotland for his school and club commitments.
Sebastian, a striker, continued with the Uganda U17 national team, earning a place in the travelling squad for the CECAFA U17 AFCON 2027 qualifiers in Rwanda.
The transition introduced the brothers to a different football environment, particularly the speed of play, intensity of training and demands of making quick decisions on the ball.
‘The training here has been amazing. The tempo and speed of play is high and you have to get that ball with the touch and the technique. I am enjoying the training here and it has been very good so far,’ Sebastian said during their time in Uganda.
His performance against Burundi provided an early indication of how he has adapted to the demands of international football, with three goals on his first appearance for the Uganda Cubs.
A proud father and an experience beyond football
Their father, Scott, has been a strong supporter of the decision to represent Uganda, praising the impact of the experience on his sons both on and off the pitch.
He highlighted the pace of training, the emphasis on quick passing and decision-making, and the opportunity for the boys to experience Uganda’s culture and way of life.
‘My wife Kate and I are extremely proud of our sons, both Oliver and Sebastian, for choosing to play for and represent Uganda. This is a big honour,’ Scott said.
He added that training in Uganda had challenged the boys to think more quickly, move the ball faster and develop a better understanding of the game.
The family’s stay also offered an opportunity to experience Ugandan food and hospitality, with the Rolex and mandazi among their favourites.
For the brothers, the experience has therefore extended beyond football, bringing them closer to their maternal heritage while exposing them to a new sporting and cultural environment.
A dream taking shape in Uganda colours
Sebastian’s hat-trick against Burundi has given his international journey an encouraging beginning. More importantly, it has placed his decision to represent Uganda on a memorable stage, as the Cubs pursue their ambitions in the CECAFA U17 AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
The Uganda Cubs had already secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, providing another significant opportunity for the young players to develop on the international stage.
Sebastian will hope to continue making an impression as he works towards further opportunities with the national team, while Oliver remains another member of the family with ambitions of representing Uganda.
Their story reflects the connection between heritage and football, demonstrating how family roots can open a pathway for young players to contribute to Ugandan football.
For Sebastian, the eight-goal victory over Burundi was more than an opening-match result. It was a memorable first chapter in his journey with the Uganda Cubs.
