Paul Put’s contract nears expiry as Uganda prepares for AFCON 2025

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put’s two-year contract with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) is set to expire on November 2, 2025, just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off on December 21.

The Belgian tactician, who signed his deal on November 2, 2023, has played a pivotal role in Uganda’s resurgence on the continental stage.

His most notable achievement: guiding the Cranes to qualification for AFCON 2025. This marks Uganda’s eighth appearance at the prestigious tournament, following previous participations in 1962, 1968, 1972, 1974, 1978, 2017, and 2019.

Under Put’s leadership, Uganda secured a spot in Group C, where they will face formidable opponents, Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania. The Cranes will open their campaign on December 23 against Tunisia at the Stade Olympique Annexe Complexe Prince Moulay Abdellah. They’ll then meet regional rivals Tanzania on December 27 at Stade Al Barid, before concluding the group stage against Nigeria’s Super Eagles on December 30 at Complexe Sportif De Fes.

While qualifying for AFCON is a major milestone, Uganda’s path hasn’t been without setbacks. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Uganda finished second in Group G with 18 points—level with Mozambique but ahead on goal difference.

However, a new CAF regulation nullified points earned against the bottom-placed team in each group, reducing Uganda’s tally to 12 and eliminating them from playoff contention.

Despite that disappointment, Put has been instrumental in revitalizing Ugandan football. He’s successfully blended foreign-based players like Jordan Obita, Toby Sibbick, and Elio Capradossi with homegrown talents such as Hilary Mukundane and Nafian Alionzi.

His commitment to youth development has also seen promising players like Mutwalib Mugolofa, Isima Magala, and James Bogere earn national team opportunities—offering hope for the future.

Put is no stranger to success on the African continent. He famously led Burkina Faso to the AFCON 2013 final, narrowly losing to Nigeria. His reputation and experience have brought international recognition to Uganda, elevating the Cranes’ profile on the global football map.

As AFCON 2025 approaches, uncertainty looms over whether Put will remain at the helm. His departure could disrupt the momentum Uganda has built over the past two years. With the tournament just weeks away, fans and pundits alike are watching closely to see if the man who led Uganda back to the continental stage will continue his journey with the Cranes.