Family legacy fuels CHAN dreams for Uganda duo Ssebagala and Usama

CAF

5 days ago

For many footballers, a call-up to represent their national team is the fulfilment of a dream. But for Uganda's rising stars Enock Ssebagala and Usama Arafat, the upcoming TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is more than just a tournament—it is a continuation of a family legacy.
The two Cranes hopefuls have football in their blood and are stepping into a space once occupied by their elder brothers—Manko Kaweesa and Isima Watenga—both of whom proudly wore the national colours at previous editions of CHAN.
Now, with the 2024 edition set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from 2 to 28 August 2025, Ssebagala and Usama are poised to write new chapters in their family histories.
A Brother's Footsteps: Ssebagala's Rise
For Vipers SC midfielder Enock Ssebagala, the CHAN stage represents both destiny and opportunity. His older brother, Manko Kaweesa, featured in Uganda's CHAN debut in 2011 in Sudan, a campaign that, despite an early exit, left a lasting mark on the local football narrative.
'I am happy that my brother was summoned to the national team, it is a proud moment,' said Kaweesa.
'If you are recognised among over 40 million Ugandans, you must be grateful. CHAN is a tough tournament—everyone wants to turn professional—and that means life-changing opportunities. I urge Ssebagala to focus, be disciplined and score goals. If Uganda reaches the final, the entire squad will attract international attention.'
Ssebagala's own journey has been one of resilience and steady progress.
After shining for NEC FC in their debut Uganda Premier League season, helping them to a second-place finish, he earned a move to league champions Vipers SC. That form saw him break into the national setup.
Although he didn't feature in Uganda's CHAN qualifiers against Burundi last December, Ssebagala made his senior Cranes debut in a recent friendly against Gambia, coming on for Bobosi Byaruhanga in a match that ended 1-1.
'It is a big opportunity to be called up for CHAN and I thank God for this blessing,' Ssebagala said.
'To me, it is a major achievement. My brother has inspired me a lot and I hope to build on what he started in 2011. I want to represent my country and make my family proud.'
With competition for midfield places heating up, Ssebagala remains focused: 'God is everything in my journey, but I've also worked hard, listened to coaches, and stayed focused on teamwork. That's been key to my growth.'
Usama's Turn to Shine
KCCA FC winger Usama Arafat is also drawing strength from family inspiration. His elder brother, goalkeeper Isima Watenga, represented Uganda at CHAN 2016 in Rwanda and CHAN 2018 in Morocco.
'I've always believed in Usama. He's talented and ready, but now he needs to prove himself on a bigger stage,' said Watenga. 'CHAN is the perfect platform. It changed my life—and it can change his.'
Usama, known for his pace and flair down the flanks, has already shown glimpses of his potential in domestic football.
Now, he stands ready to blaze his own trail—not from between the posts like his brother, but cutting in from the wings with hunger and determination.
Two Brothers. Two Dreams. One Mission.
For Ssebagala and Usama, CHAN 2024 offers more than exposure—it's a chance to honour those who walked the path before them, to live up to their family names, and perhaps carve out new legacies of their own.
Guided by bloodlines and driven by ambition, these two young Cranes are ready to soar.