South Africa Vs Uganda: Team News, Probable Lineups, Preview and TV
Friday, September 6*South Africa Vs Uganda – 7pm (EAT)
Team News
Uganda will be without defenders Kenneth Ssemakula and Halid Lwaliwa, who were unable to travel due to visa issues but are expected to be available for the next qualifier against Congo at Namboole.
South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos will be without his captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, due to injury.
PREVIEW:
Uganda Cranes will kick off their 2025 AFCON qualification campaign away against South Africa this Friday at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.
After missing out on the last two AFCON tournaments in 2021 and 2023, the Cranes are eager to make a strong return.
They will aim to finish in the top two of Group K, which also includes Congo Brazzaville and South Sudan.
South Africa, the 1996 AFCON champions and third-place finishers in the 2023 edition held in Ivory Coast, are the favorites in the group.
However, unlike traditional African powerhouses like Egypt, Algeria, Senegal, Nigeria, and Ghana, Bafana Bafana lack standout stars playing in top European leagues.
The Cranes, now under the leadership of new coach Paul Put, have already had a taste of competitive football under the Belgian coach.
In June, they defeated Botswana but lost to Algeria in World Cup qualifiers, both matches held at Namboole.
Put brings a wealth of experience from managing several African teams, including Burkina Faso, Gambia, and Kenya. His notable achievement was leading Burkina Faso to the AFCON final in 2013.
The game away to South Africa is Uganda’s toughest on paper in the group, and any positive result will be a huge motivation in their 2025 AFCON qualification bid.
Probable Lineups
South Africa – Ricardo Goss; Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Aubrey Modiba, Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Jayden Adams, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis
Uganda – Isma Watenga, Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Elio Capradossi, Bevis Mugabi, Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Travis Mutyaba, Rogers Mato, Shaban Muhammad, Joseph Ochaya
How to Watch:
In Uganda, no TV channel, including FUFA TV, has advertised the game yet. However, the match will be available on Azam Sports.
In South Africa, you can catch the game live on SABC Sport and SABC Plus.
Head To Head
October 10, 2004 (World Cup Qualifiers)Uganda 0-1 South Africa
March 26, 2005 (World Cup Qualifiers)South Africa 2-1 Uganda
June 4, 2019 (COSAFA)Uganda 1-1 South Africa (2-4 in pen)
June 10, 2021 (Friendly)South Africa 3-2 Uganda
South Africa Vs Uganda: Team News, Probable Lineups, Preview and TV
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
News
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
News
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum