The Uganda Cranes’ technical bench is bracing for a significant reshuffle, with assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa set to part ways with the national team setup. Footy-Africa understands from highly placed sources that Ssimbwa’s chapter under head coach Paul Put has quietly come to a close.
Ssimbwa, who has served alongside Put since the Belgian tactician took charge, now exits at a crucial moment, just weeks before Uganda heads to Morocco for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 2025. His departure follows FUFA’s decision not to extend his contract, despite Put recently securing a renewal that runs until 2028.
Coach Sam Ssimbwa keeping in shape.#UGARSA#AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/YY9rxeLEcP
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 13, 2024
Notably, Ssimbwa had been the only Ugandan coach to formally apply for the Cranes head coaching job during the recruitment process that eventually ushered in Put.
With the clock ticking down to AFCON, FUFA is moving swiftly to identify a new Ugandan assistant coach. At the top of the shortlist are Morley Byekwaso, currently unattached, and Fred Muhumuza, who serves as assistant coach at Vipers SC.
The pair worked under Put’s supervision during the CHAN tournament in August, steering the locally based Cranes to their first-ever progression beyond the group stage, a milestone that has strengthened their credentials for the national team role.
AFCON 2025: Schedule, results and standings of the Africa Cup of Nations
As preparations intensify for a challenging AFCON campaign in Group C, where Uganda faces Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania, Put is expected to have his new right-hand man confirmed in the coming days.
