Museveni boosts Cranes preparations with shs943m

By Norman Katende

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has flagged off the national soccer team after announcing a package of sh934 towards the upcoming international engagements.

The money will see sh559m go towards chartering a plane for fans while sh384m will go towards covering the team’s expenses for the international friendly in Botswana, the training camp in Turkey and well as the trip to Morocco.

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President Museveni hands Cranes' stand-in captain Hassan Wasswa the national flag. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

"We do have some money to build on the roads and medical facilities and we have some money for sports. The tickets and feeding should not be a problem," said Museveni.

He advised the players to be disciplined, focussed, have self-control and also score lots of goals. He had earlier congratulated the team for winning their recent matches and wished them luck.

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The team was treated to luncheon at Stae House Entebbe before heading out to meet the president. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

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Museveni also said there is a need for fans to travel to away matches to cheer the team.

"That is why we want the fans to go out and cheer you," he told the players led by stand in captain Hassan Wasswa.

FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa whose tenure comes to an end this week was elated with the offer.

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"That is what we have been waiting for. It has been our prayer and we are happy that it has been answered," said Mulindwa.

State minister for sports Charles Bakkabulindi said that it was the beginning of increased facilitation in sports stressed the need to maintain unity.

"Let's us work hard and on a united front and not lose what has been achieved," said Bakkabulindi.

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Outgoing FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa flanked by vice president Mujib Kasule join in. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

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