Uganda made its debut at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in 2011, a tournament designed exclusively for players active in their domestic leagues. Held in Sudan, the Cranes were under the guidance of Scottish coach Bobby Williamson. Drawn into Group A alongside hosts Sudan, Algeria, and Gabon, Uganda opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Algeria, with Ibrahim Saddam Juma scoring Uganda’s first-ever CHAN goal. However, a 1-0 defeat to Sudan and a 2-1 loss to Gabon ended their maiden appearance at the group stage. Despite not advancing, the experience marked a significant step in the development of local talent.
In 2014, the Cranes returned to CHAN, this time in South Africa. Their performance was more promising. Uganda began with a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso and followed that with a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe. However, a 3-1 defeat to Morocco in their final group match saw them fall just short of reaching the knockout rounds. With four points from three games, it was an encouraging display showing signs of growth compared to their previous outing.
The 2016 edition in Rwanda offered another opportunity for Uganda to build on that progress. They started with a 2-2 draw against Mali but then suffered narrow 1-0 defeats to both Zambia and Zimbabwe. The team finished bottom of the group with just one point. While the results were disappointing, the performances were competitive, reflecting Uganda’s growing stature on the continental scene.
In 2018, Uganda headed to Morocco for their fourth CHAN appearance. Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of their most challenging tournaments. The Cranes lost 3-1 to Zambia in their opening match, drew 1-1 with Namibia and then lost 1-0 to Ivory Coast. With only one point from three games, Uganda once again exited at the group stage albeit playing entertaining football, the team struggled to convert possession into points.
CHAN 2020 was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was held in Cameroon. Uganda opened with a goalless draw against Rwanda but went on to lose 2-1 to Togo and 5-2 to Morocco. The team was eliminated with only one point from three matches. It marked their fifth consecutive group stage exit.
The 2022 edition in Algeria brought a glimpse of hope. Uganda started with a disciplined 0-0 draw against DR Congo before earning a 1-0 victory over Senegal which is their first win at CHAN since 2014. With four points from two games, Uganda needed just a draw in their final match to progress. However, a 3-1 defeat to Ivory Coast ended their campaign yet again at the group stage. Despite the disappointment, this edition marked Uganda’s best CHAN performance in terms of points earned and overall competitiveness.
Across six CHAN tournaments, Uganda has consistently qualified which is a commendable achievement that places them among the continent’s regular participants. However, they have never progressed beyond the group stage.
Looking ahead, the Cranes are set to feature in the 2024 CHAN tournament with Uganda serving as one of the three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania. With the advantage of playing at home and the backing of passionate fans, this could be Uganda’s best chance to finally break the group-stage barrier and reach the knockout rounds.
CHAN Performance Summary (2011–2022)
Tournaments Qualified: 6
Matches Played: 18
Wins: 3
Draws: 5
Losses: 10
Goals Scored: 14
Goals Conceded: 27