Emmanuel Okwi has announced his retirement from the Uganda national football team, bringing an end to a 15-year international career.
The forward, who claims to be 32, made his debut in 2009. He has been the captain of the national team.
Okwi confirmed his decision through a statement on social media, saying he wants to pave the way for young talents.
"Representing my country on the international stage has been a fulfilling dream. Donning the Uganda Cranes shirt always left a special feeling, and captaining our team was an absolute privilege and honour," Okwi wrote.
He pointed to Uganda's future in football, with East Africa set to host the CHAN tournament in August and the AFCON in 2027, as a reason for stepping aside.
"An exciting new era for Ugandan football is coming up with many young footballers emerging. That is why, having cherished all those memories, I believe it is time for me to bow out and pave the way for our talented young football players."
Okwi expressed gratitude to fans, his family, and the coaches he worked with over the years, singling out Bobby Williamson, who handed him his national team debut in 2009.
He made an immediate impact, finishing as the second top scorer in the 2010 CECAFA Cup with four goals in five matches before netting five the following year to tie for the top scorer title with Rwanda’s Meddie Kagere and Olivier Karekezi.
Okwi missed out when Uganda returned to AFCON in 2017 in Gabon after 39 years in the wilderness but he became a key player in the 2019 campaign in Egypt, scoring twice in four matches.
Over his career, he played 95 games for the Cranes and scored 28 goals.