“Yes It Was Players’ Money But We Shared It With Bus Drivers”– Magogo On Museveni’s UGX 2.4B Cranes Reward

By Our Reporter

In what could easily be described as a lesson in “team spirit,” FUFA President Moses Magogo revealed that not only the Uganda Cranes players but also the technical team and even support staff—yes, including the driver—benefited from President Yoweri Museveni’s UGX 2.4 billion reward for the national team’s recent continental exploits. Each player, Magogo confirmed, received at least UGX 60 million.

The announcement came during a lavish “special dinner” hosted by President Museveni, joined by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, at State House, Entebbe. While the Cranes celebrated their on-field heroics, apparently, anyone who even waved a whistle or steered a minibus also got a slice of the financial pie.

The dinner celebrated Uganda’s spirited performance in the recent tournament, where the team lifted the flag high—but apparently, so did the drivers and the entire technical bench. President Museveni took the opportunity to congratulate the players for their resilience and also reaffirmed government support for football in Uganda—because why should the players have all the fun?

“Motivation is an essential part of capacity building. As promised, we have fulfilled our pledge to the Cranes for their outstanding efforts,” the President stated. Which is nice, considering the term “pledge to the Cranes” now apparently includes everyone from the kit man to the chauffeur.

Reflecting on the team’s encounter with Algeria, the President drew lessons from his military background. “Every Force has an Area of Responsibility. When everyone goes on the offensive and leaves the defense and goalkeeper exposed, the opponent can easily exploit that gap,” he said. Perhaps a subtle hint that in future, the drivers should leave the goalkeeping to the professionals.

The President didn’t stop there. He pledged UGX 1.2 billion for every future win and confirmed that UGX 30 million had already been deposited into each player’s account. With the additional handouts, each player is now officially UGX 60 million richer—though apparently the driver, the masseur, and the water boy are also celebrating in the same financial league.

A State House official confirmed the deposits, ensuring that excitement rippled across the team and technical bench. Meanwhile, Maama Janet Museveni commended the Cranes for their determination and resilience, promising continued investment in sports infrastructure, talent development, and athlete welfare—because clearly, supporting the driver is now part of “athlete welfare.”

“This victory is proof that with proper preparation, motivation, and faith, Ugandans can achieve greatness. As government, we shall continue to prioritize sports as a tool of national pride and youth empowerment,” she said—an inspiring note, particularly for anyone in a Uganda Cranes-branded tracksuit who happens to be steering a bus.