Ivan “The Hunter” Ahimbisibwe has never chased shortcuts, only dreams. And those dreams, born in the quiet lanes of Kacence village in Mbarara City, have finally roared onto Africa’s grandest football stage.
His rise has been anything but accidental. It is a story carved out of grit, patience, discipline and an unshakeable belief that hard work still counts. From dusty pitches to floodlit stadiums, Ahimbisibwe’s journey is a powerful reminder that perseverance remains football’s most reliable currency.
Even as a teenager at the outspoken Mbarara Sports Academy, his ambition was unmistakable. Coaches and teammates recall a forward who spoke openly about playing at the highest level, and backed those words with relentless effort. Each training session was treated like a stepping stone, not a routine.
His career path reflects that steady climb. From Mbarara Sports Club, he pushed on through Synergy and Nyamityobora, sharpened his edge at UPDF, matured further at URA, and ultimately earned a move to giants KCCA FC in the Uganda Premier League. Each chapter refined his game, toughened his mentality and prepared him for the moment he now inhabits. That moment arrived with his name on the final Uganda Cranes squad list for the 35th TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
National team head coach Paul Joseph Put and his technical team were convinced by Ahimbisibwe’s consistency, sparked by impressive outings at the 2024 CHAN tournament and sustained by a rich vein of form for KCCA. It was not a surprise call-up; it was a reward.
With characteristic humility, the 25-year-old forward describes the honour in simple terms.
“I am humbled to be part of the squad at AFCON 2025,” the graduate of Social Work and Social Administration (SWSA) confesses. “I am also excited as well for this greatest opportunity.”
He underlined his readiness during the Cranes’ build-up clash against FAR Rabat, pouncing with a classic striker’s instinct to score in a 2-2 draw, an emphatic statement of intent.
For Ahimbisibwe, this is bigger than football. It is personal. It is communal. It is national.
“I am very proud of this moment to represent Uganda with the Uganda Cranes. This is a very special moment for me and my family, club (KCCA) and all Ugandans at large,” he adds.
At AFCON, competition is fierce. Ahimbisibwe is one of ten forwards in the final squad, alongside club teammate Shafik Nana Kwikiriza and a formidable attacking cast that includes Lorenzen Melvyn, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu Mubiru, Rogers Mato, Steven Desse Mukwala, Denis Omedi, Reagan Mpande and Jude Ssemugabi.
There are no guarantees, only battles to be won on the training ground and the pitch.
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Ahimbisibwe embraces that reality without hesitation.
“I am ready to work extremely hard to fetch the best out of my box. Definitely to see how far we can go,” Ahimbisibwe attests.
From Kacence village to Morocco’s grand arenas, “The Hunter” has earned his shot. Now, he stalks a bigger prize, carrying with him the hopes of a nation and the belief that dreams, when pursued relentlessly, do come true.
