Netanyu’s on arrival at Entebbe airport as welcomed by Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda

At Entebbe airport, Mr. Netanyahu who is  companied by  his wife, Sarah Netanyahu,  was welcomed by Prime Minister Ruhakana, state minister for foreign affairs Okello Oryem among other officials.

“I am setting out for another visit to Africa, my fifth in three and a half years,” Netanyahu was quoted by local media before taking off from Tel Aviv.

“Israel is making a big return to Africa, and Africa has already returned to Israel. These are important ties politically, economically and in terms of security,” he said, adding that he hopes to have good news upon his return.

Netanyus disembark from the plane at Entebbe airport

In July 2016, Natanyahu participated in a ceremony in Uganda to mark the 40th anniversary of Operation Entebbe, a hostage rescue by Israeli commandos at Entebbe Airport in 1976.

The operation, which aimed to rescue 106 passengers of an Air France flight that was hijacked by members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, succeeded in freeing 102 of the hostages. Netanyahu’s brother Yonatan, who led the mission, was killed.

It has also been reported that in the past, Israel contacted the American administration and other foreign governments in an attempt to encourage them to improve their relations with Sudan and to make overtures in its favor, in light of the severance of ties between the Arab-African country and Iran.

Reports in Israel and abroad in recent years have said that Israel might renew its diplomatic relations with several Muslim countries on the African continent, including Mali, Niger and Sudan.

Prime Minister, Ruhakana Rugunda welcomes Israeli’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Entebbe airport

After Netanyahu visited Chad in 2019, it was reported that Israel was working to formalize ties with Sudan, and Israeli officials spoke about it publicly on several occasions, especially after the ouster of dictator Omar al-Bashir.

Haaretz previously reported that Israel had secretly deported asylum seekers from different African countries to Uganda.

To this day, asylum seekers are being deported to Uganda in what Israel has called “voluntary departure.”

The post Netanyahu arrives in Uganda for one day official visit first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Black stars scored through a penalty after Isaac Inside lost control of the ball and pulled Asmoah Gyan leaving the referee with no choice but to award Ghana the penalty.

Westham striker Andre “Dede” Ayew stepped up and converted to spot-kick in the 32nd minute   which eased Ghana to a narrow 1-0 win against the Cranes.

Ayew’s goal means he has now scored seven Nations Cup finals goal – one more than his father and legendary former Ghana captain, Abedi Pele scored. But he remains one African title behind his father, who lifted the trophy in 1982.

Ghana missed several chances through Gyan,Christian Atsu,Jordan Ayew were all guilty of failing to beat Uganda’s goalkeeper Dennis Onyango.

Ghana played generally a defensive game in the second half since they were defending their lead.

Uganda were left frustrated on their return to the Nations Cup after 39 years of absence when they failed to get anything from the game.

The Cranes created few goal scoring opportunities with the likes of Faruku Miya,Geofrey Massa,Muhammed Shaban and Geoffrey Sserunkuma failing to find the back of the net.

Meanwhile,the other group D match,Egypt played out a goalless draw against Mali giving hope to the Uganda Cranes of qualification.

Ghana will next take on Mali on 21st January while Uganda will face record seven-time champions Egypt on the same day.

The post AFCON 2017:Ghana edges Uganda 1-0 in a tight encounter first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Black stars are one of the regulars in the continental competition whereas Uganda are making a return after 39 years.

The only previous Cup of Nations game between the two countries was the 1978 final which hosts Ghana won 2-0 in Accra.
The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 0-0 draw in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, a game which was played at Tamale Stadium on the 7^th October 2016.

Ghana has won the Cup of Nations in 1963, 1978, 1965 and 1982 while Uganda’s best achievement was runners up in 1978.

Uganda are the only East Africa nation in Gabon and have a battle on their hands if they are get out of their group with tough ties against Mali and one of the tournament favorites Egypt .

Uganda are under Serbian tactician Milutin “Micho” Sredojovic whereas Ghana are coached by Avram Grant.

Players to watch:

Uganda

Goalkeeper Dennis Onyango who was named as the best African-based player of 2016 by the Confederation of African Football after helping South African club Mamelodi Sundowns to African Champions League glory will be vital for his country

Ghana

West Ham’s Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew who has recently come back from injury will look to help his country against the Uganda Cranes.

What to expect

The Cranes will hope for a good start in their opening game to stand any chance of qualifying for the next round though Ghana are no push-overs.

SQUADS

GHANA SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Briamah Razak (Cordoba, Spain)

Richard Ofori (All Stars, Ghana)

Fatau Dauda (Ashanti Gold, Ghana)

Defenders

Andy Yiadom (Barnsley, England)

Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew, USA)

Baba Rahman (Schalke 04, Germany)

Daniel Amarte (Leicester, England)

Edwin Gyimah (Orlando Pirates, South Africa)

John Boye (Sivasspor, Turkey)

Frank Acheampong (Anderlecht, Belgium)

Harrison Afful (Columbus Crew, USA)

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (Atletico Madrid, Spain)

Afriyie Acquah (Torino, Italy)

Christian Atsu (Newcastle, England)

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese, Italy)

Wakaso Mubarak (Panathanaikos, Greece)

Ebenezer Ofori (AIK, Sweden)

Samuel Tetteh (FC Liefering, Austria)

Forwards

Asamoah Gyan (Al-Ahli, UAE)

Jordan Ayew (Aston Villa, England)

Andre Ayew (West Ham, England)

Bernard Tekpetey (Schalke 04, Germany)

Ebenezer Assifuah (Le Havre, France)

UGANDA SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Salim Jamal Magoola (Al Merreikh, Sudan)

Robert Odongkara (Saint George, Ethiopia)

Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

Defenders 

Timothy Dennis Awany (KCCA, Uganda)

Joseph Ochaya (KCCA)

Shafiq Batambuze (Tusker, Kenya)

Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon)

Isaac Isinde (Unattached)

Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania)

Nicholas Wadada (Vipers, Uganda)

Midfielders

Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa)

Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA)

Geoffrey Kizito (Than Quang Ninh, Vietnam)

William Luwagga Kizito (Rio Ave, Portugal)

Tony Mawejje (Thotur, Iceland)

Hassan Wasswa (Nijmeh, Lebabon)

Moses Oloya (Hanoi T and T, Vietnam)

Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya)

Forwards

Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa)

Faruku Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium)

Yunus Sentamu (Ilves, Finland)

Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA, Uganda)

Muhammed Shaban (Onduparaka, Uganda)

The post AFCON 2017: Ghana Vs Uganda preview first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Cranes held the regaining champions till the 51st minute when Aston Villa striker Jonathan Kodjia put the Black Stars into the lead.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha scored in the 58th minute, his first goal with Ivory Coast to double his side’s lead with Serge Aurier sealing the victory when he met Max Gradel’s to head home.

Uganda have had mixed results in their friendly games registering wins against Slovenia (1-0), Slovakia (3-1) and a 2-0 loss against Tunisia in Tunis.

Uganda are in Group D alongside Egypt, Ghana and Mali. They will play their first match on the 17th January against Ghana at Stade de Port Gentil before going head to head with Egypt on 21st, January  at the same venue.

The Cranes will then take on Mali in their last Group D tie on 25th, January at Stade d’Oyem.

Uganda XI: Denis Onyango, Dennis Iguma, Timothy Awany, Hassan Wasswa, Joseph Ochaya, Tonny Mawejje, Geoffrey Kizito, Michael Azira, William Luwagga Kizito, Farouk Miya, Geoffrey Massa

Substitutes: Robert Odongkara, Salim Omar Magoola, Nicholas Wadada, Moses Oloya, Godfrey Walusimbi, Isaac Isinde, Murushid Juuko, Khalid Aucho, Shafik Batambuze, Muhammad Shaban, Yunus Ssentamu, Geoffrey Sserunkuma

Ivory Coast XI: Sylvain Gbohouo, Serge Aurier, Eric Bailly, Wilfried Kanon, Adama Traore, Franck Kessie, Geoffroy Serey Die, Jean-Michael Seri, Salomon Kalou, Jonathan Kodjia, Wilfried Zaha

Substitutes: Mande Sayouba, Mamadou Bagayoko, Victorien Angban, Cheick Doukoure, Yao Serge N’Guessan, Wilfried Bony, Max-Alain Gradel, Nicolas Pepe, Giovanni Sio

The post Ivory Coast hammers Uganda 3-0 in a friendly ahead of 2017 AFCON first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Ugandan government has given US $540716 to help the Cranes at the tournament which kicks off in Gabon on 14 January though it is considerably less than the Federation of Uganda Football Association had requested according to BBC.

Uganda’s State Minister for Sport, Charles Bakkabulindi, admitted the sum is much less than the US $2 million FUFA had wanted, but said the government also had to factor in other commitments.

“We are happy that although the money has taken a while to come out, it has finally come and it will handle several aspects including allowances for the team in Gabon,” the Minister told BBC Sport.

He added that the government is also working hard to find money to fund part of the 2017 World Cross Country Championship which will take place in Kampala in March as per the report.

Bakkabulindi reasoned that since the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has sent over US$200,000 for each of the 16 teams to help them participate at the Nations Cup, the Uganda Cranes already have some financial support.

In December, 2017, the Ugandan FA (FUFA) were embroiled into financial crisis with the FA’s head of Finance, Decolas Kiiza, saying they needed quick government intervention.

FUFA had to borrow funds to send the team to their training camp in Tunisia and now in the United Arab Emirates where they are carrying out preparations ahead of  the Afcon.

Uganda who made history by ending a 38-year wait to qualify for Afcon are in Group D alongside Egypt, Ghana and Mali. They will play their first match on the 17th against Ghana before going head to head with Egypt on 21st, January 2017.

The post Uganda gets financial boost for 2017 Africa Cup of Nations first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The Cranes got an early lead after five minutes into the game through Moses Oloya.

Farouk Miya scored the second goal in the 14th minute to make it 2-0 going into the half time break.

Some of the female Uganda Cranes fans in the stands at the Armed Forces Stadium in Abu Dhabi (Photo by FUFA)

Twelve minutes into the second half, Denis Vavro pulled one back for Slovakia with his team fighting for a comeback.

However Geoffrey Massa sealed Uganda’s win when he scored in the 77^th minute to shatter the Slovenian’s hopes of getting anything from the game.

The game was free of charge and hundreds of Ugandan fans turned up to support their team.

Uganda have experienced mixed results with a 1-0 win over Slovenia on Friday, 6th January, 2017 and a 2-0 loss to Tunisia in their previous friendly.

The Cranes will finalise their preparations for the AFCON with a friendly against reigning champions Ivory Coast on Wednesday 11th, January at the New York University Stadium in Dubai.

Uganda is in Group D alongside Egypt, Ghana and Mali. They will play their first match on the 17th against Ghana before going head to head with Egypt on 21st, January 2017.

Team Line Ups:

Slovakia XI: Michal Sulla (46′ Adam Jakubech), Denis Vavro, Filip Orsula (85′ Pavol Safranko), Martin Bukata (70′ Miroslav Kacer), Thomas Malec (70′ David Guba), Roman Gergel (70′ Thomas Huk), Filip Hlohovsky (Captain), Jakub Holubek, Martin Kralik, Michal Skvarka, Juraj Kotula (46′ Martin Sulek)

Subs Not Used: Dominik Kruzliak, Jan Krivak, Patrik Misak,  Matus Conka, Martin Dubravka

Head Coach: Jan Kozak

Uganda Cranes XI: Robert Odongkara (G.K), Nico Wakiro Wadada (63′ Nico Wakiro Wadada), Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Dennis Awanyi, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (46′ Murushid Jjuuko), Geofrey Kizito, Tonny Mawejje, Moses Oloya (46′ Geofrey Massa), William Luwagga Kizito (82′ Godfrey Walusimbi), Faruku Miya (62′ Yunus Sentamu), Muhammed Shaban (62’ Khalid Aucho)

Subs Not Used: Dennis Onyango (G.K), Shafiq Batambuze, Isaac Isinde, Michael Azira, Geofrey Sserunkuma, Salim Jamal (G.K)

Match Officials:

Center Referee: Sultan Abdulrazaq Al Marzouqi

1st Assistant Referee: Hassan Suqatari Al Mahri

2nd Assistant Referee: Sabet Al Ali

The post Uganda Cranes beats Slovakia 3-1 in a friendly a head of the 2017 African Cup of Nations. first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

This was done 4th January, 2017 after the internationally friendly match against Tunisia in Tunis which the Cranes lost 2-0.

According to fufa.com,the Serbian tactician has included only four locally based players, KCCA trio of Geoffrey Sserunkuma, Joseph Ochaya and Timothy Dennis Awany as well as Fufa Male Player of the Year Muhammad Shaban who plays for Onduparaka.

He however dropped goalkeeper Benjamin Ochan and Muzamir Mutyaba both of KCCA and Edrisa Lubega of Proline in the Ugandan Premier League.

The Cranes will head to Dubai for another training camp that shall involve high profile friendlies against Slovakia on January 8 and Cote d’Ivoire on January 11.

Uganda will open their campaign against Afcon 2015 finalists Ghana on January 17 before facing Egypt four days later at Stade de Port Gentil. They will complete their Group D matches against Mali on January 25 at Stade d’Oyem.

CRANES SQUAD

Goalkeepers:Denis Onyango,Robert Odongkara, Salim Omar Magoola

Defenders: Joseph Ochaya, Murushid Juuko, Isaac Isinde, Denis Iguma, NicholasWakiroWadada, Shafik Batambuze, Timothy Dennis Awany

Midfielders: Tonny Mawejje,Khalid Aucho, Godfrey Walusimbi, Michael Azira, Hassan Mawanda Wasswa, Geoffrey Kizito

Forwards: Junior Yunus Sentamu, Geoffrey Sserunkuma, William Luwagga Kizito, Geoffrey Massa, Moses Oloya, Farouk Miya, Muhammad Shaban

The post Uganda Cranes coach Micho names final Afcon Squad first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

The draw will involve 16 finalists and will be heavily represented during the ceremony in Libreville at the ASMG Tent in Stade de l’Amitie.

Uganda will be represented by Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic and Commissioner for physical Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports Omara Apita after ending a 38-year wait for a place in the African Nations Cup finals.

The Uganda cranes achieved this by securing a 1-0 win over the Comoros Islands in Kampala on 4th September 2016 to qualify as one of the best runners-up in the 13 qualifying groups for the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

A statement by  FUFA Communications Manager Ahmed Hussein confirmed that Micho and  Omara Apita will represent the nation in Gabon.

“FUFA will be represented by both Cranes Head coach Milutin Sredojevic and Commissioner for physical Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports Omara Apita in Gabon” said Hussein

‘Delegations of the 16 finalists at the draw will also conduct a familiarisation tour of the four cities where stadium, Hotel and training grounds are located for 2017 AFCON Finals’, he added.

Uganda is the best ranked country in the East African region and will hope for a good draw.

AFCON 2017 Pots

Pot 1: Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Algeria

Pot 2: Tunisia, Mali, Burkina Faso, DR Congo

Pot 3: Cameroon, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt

Pot 4: Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Guinea Bissau

The post AFCON 2017 Finals Draw: Micho, Omara represent Uganda first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.

Uganda President Museveni

The new envoys are from Saharawi Republic, Kingdom of Morocco, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia, Zambia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mali, Pakistan and Mexico. Ambassador Habib Mahfud Boukhreis from the Republic of Sahrawi was the first to present his credentials to the President. According to a statement from statehouse, Museveni warmly received him to Uganda and stressed the need to strengthen the relations between Uganda and the Republic of Sahrawi.

Museveni also informed the new Moroccan envoy, Ambassador Abdeljabbar Brahime that Uganda and the North African country should strive to improve and strengthen further the cordial relations existing between the 2 countries and their respective peoples.

The President told the new Austrian envoy, Christian Hasenbichler that Kampala and Vienna should work to further heighten the collaborative relations between the 2 countries for the benefit of the people of Uganda and Austria. He assured the new Austrian envoy all the assistance possible to enable him carry out his duties during his tour of duties in the country.

Receiving the letters of credence of the Hungarian Ambassador, Mr. Sandor Juhasz, Museveni warmly welcomed him to Uganda. The envoy expressed happiness to serve his country in Uganda and said that he looks forward to strengthening further the mutual relations between Uganda and Hungary. Ambassador Juhasz commended President Museveni for his ardent commitment to restoring peace in war-torn Somalia.

Ambassador Milan Zachar of the Slovak Republic commended the relations that happily exist between Uganda and Slovakia. The envoy assured President Museveni that Slovakia is committed to the flourishing of the relations between the 2 countries.

President Museveni later received the credentials of the new Serbian Ambassador, Mr. Zdravko Bisic. Museveni welcomed him to Uganda and said that the 2 countries should work for further improvement of their relations. The envoy pledged to work and ensure that the relations between Serbia and Uganda continue to flourish. The President told the new Zambian High Commissioner to Uganda, Mr. Darius Sternbeck Bubala, that Zambia and Uganda share a lot of commonalities and such the 2 countries should strive to ensure the development and advancement of their peoples.

Receiving the credentials of the new Malaysian High Commissioner, Mr. Zainol bin Zainuddin, President Museveni commended the relations between the 2 Commonwealth countries. He wished the envoy fruitful deliberations during his tour of duties in Uganda.

The new Filipino Ambassador, Mr. Mr. Domingo Lucenario Junior expressed his country’s gratitude to President Museveni and the people of Uganda for hosting more than 200 Filipinos that are staying in Uganda engaged in different spheres of development. The envoy stressed that Uganda and the Philippines need to establish a strong bilateral mechanism where government officials of the 2 countries can dialogue in order to identify areas of mutual co-operation for the benefit of the people of Uganda and the Philippines.

President Museveni also received the letters of credence of the new Malian Ambassador, Mr. N’Diaye Amadou whom he assured of the necessary assistance to enable him carry out his diplomatic duties successfully. The new Pakistani High Commissioner, Mr. Masroor A. Junejo, assured the President that Pakistan is committed to the strengthening of binding ties that happily exist between his country and Uganda.

President Museveni warmly welcomed to Uganda the new Mexican Ambassador, Mr. Louis Javier Campuzano, and assured him that he will get all the necessary assistance possible so that Uganda and Mexico can uplift further their co-operative relations. Ambassador Campuzano said that Mexico would like to partner up with Uganda so that Uganda benefits from Mexican experiences in developing the agro-processing industry in Uganda

The post Museveni welcomes newly accredited envoys to Uganda first appeared on Uganda Multimedia News & Information.