The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) regrets the cancellation of the Uganda Cranes’ international friendly matches against Tanzania and Madagascar that had been scheduled for 5th and 8th June 2026 in Marrakech, Morocco.
The cancellation followed directives from the Moroccan authorities due to sanitary and public health considerations. The Uganda Cranes delegation had already assembled in Morocco ahead of the fixtures.
Uganda Cranes Head of Delegation and FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Mulindwa confirmed that the cancellation followed communication received through the match organisers.
‘We received communication from our match agents, MC Sport, who had in turn received communication from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation following instructions from the Moroccan government. The matches were called off due to sanitary and public health considerations,’ Mulindwa said.
He noted that the decision affected all six national teams that had travelled to Morocco during the international window and that arrangements were immediately made for the players and officials to return to their respective destinations.
‘The full team had already arrived in camp and we are now making arrangements to ensure everyone travels back safely. While this situation was beyond our control, all the players and officials are well and the morale in camp remained high,’ he added.
Mulindwa also assured Ugandans that FUFA would continue exploring opportunities to secure international matches as preparations for future assignments continue.
‘I have spoken to the FUFA President and efforts will be made to secure friendly engagements at the earliest opportunity as circumstances allow.’
Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Put described the cancellation as a major setback to the team’s preparations ahead of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to begin in September.
‘It is a big disappointment because we know the importance of international friendly matches in our preparations. Uganda is also a hosting country and there are expectations from everyone,’ Put said.
The coach explained that the camp had presented an opportunity to work with several players he had closely monitored but had not previously had the chance to assess in a national team environment.
‘Some players were finally here after previous challenges such as injuries. I was looking forward to working with them and seeing what they could offer the national team. It was also a good opportunity to assess local players who have never worked with me before and who have had good seasons with their clubs.’
Despite the setback, Put stressed the need to quickly focus on alternative preparations ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.
‘We have to think about how we prepare the team because the qualification matches start in September. We must be ready and competitive when that time comes.’
Uganda Cranes captain Jordan Obita expressed disappointment on behalf of the players, particularly those who had earned their first call-ups to the national team.
‘It is disappointing to arrive here and receive the news that the matches will not take place. We had several new players in camp who wanted to show their qualities to the coach and to the country. For them especially, it is a huge disappointment,’ Obita said.
The captain, however, urged the players to remain focused and continue working hard at their respective clubs.
‘Unfortunately, these things happen in football. We now have to return to our clubs, continue playing regularly and make sure we are ready for the upcoming matches in September.’
