What Uganda’s absence from WAFCON 2024 really means

The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), currently underway in Morocco from July 5–26, has set a new benchmark in women’s football across the continent.
 
CAF (Confederation of African Football) announced a 100% increase in prize money with the winner set to take home USD 1,000,000 (approx. sh.85 billion). In total, USD 3.475 million (about sh13.4 billion) will be shared among the top-performing teams.

For defending champions South Africa, hosts Morocco, and African giants Nigeria and Senegal, this is not just a football tournament, it is a platform for glory, national pride, and a serious financial incentive.

For Uganda’s Crested Cranes, it is a painful reminder of a missed opportunity. The national team was eliminated in the qualifiers by Ethiopia in February 2025 and failed to make it to Morocco.

A share of sh13.4 billion could have been a game-changer. Beyond the money, being on such a prestigious stage boosts player profiles, inspires young girls to take up the game, and attracts sponsors and national attention. Uganda not only missed the prize money but also the priceless opportunity to cement its place in the growing narrative of African women’s football.

South Africa has invested in its domestic women’s league and built a pipeline of talent. Morocco, with its state-backed football development programs, is leveraging home advantage and a long-term plan. Nigeria remains consistent because of its winning culture, structured youth teams, and unwavering commitment to women’s football.

Uganda, on the other hand, remains inconsistent, showing flashes of promise but falling short in execution. The Crested Cranes need more than hope to qualify for the next edition. They need serious investment, regular high-quality matches, technical continuity, and most importantly, belief from the football leadership.

It is time for FUFA and stakeholders to treat women’s football as a core component of national football strategy. The FUFA Women Super League is a step in the right direction, but without deeper investment in grassroots development, coach education, and competitive match exposure, Uganda will remain on the outside looking in.

To qualify for the next WAFCON, Uganda must begin now, not months before qualifiers. It requires consistent funding, better scouting, psychological support, and a long-term road map tailored to the women’s game. The potential is there. 
We have seen it in performances by players like Fazila Ikwaput, and in the spirit shown in past tournaments. But potential without planning will always be wasted.

As we watch the tournament unfold in Morocco, we’re reminded that football success is not given , it is earned.