President Museveni has met the Cranes team and the top brass of the football governing body in Uganda, FUFA, as part of the 56th independence celebrations.
The meeting was held at State House in Entebbe on Tuesday evening ahead of the team’s group L qualifying game against Lesotho at Namboole on Saturday.
According to FUFA, Museveni who was in a jovial mood discussed football matters with the contingent before appreciating their efforts in flying the Ugandan flag high on the continent through sports.
“I have offered you a chartered a plane to transport the team to Lesotho for their Africa Cup of Nations encounter next Tuesday. I hope the team maintains their top spot and qualifies for the 2019 championship in Cameroon. Each player will also receive a token of appreciation,”Museveni told the team.
Museveni applauded the team for representing the country in the 2017 AFCON edition but implored them to work harder for better results.
“I have also offered you shs200 million to help you in preparations and getting good results.”
Uganda is top of group L with four points and will play Lesotho at home on Saturday before the return leg two days later on Tuesday in Maseru.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Cranes captain Denis Onyango appreciated the president and his entire government over their continued support to the game of football.
“The support from the President is a sign that he follows and loves sports. Football has been picking good results partly because of such support from the fountain of honour and office of Education and Sports,” Onyango said.
The Uganda Cranes Technical team led by head coach Sebastien Desabre was also in attendance.