By Belgian coach Paul Joseph Put has committed his future to the Uganda national football team (the Cranes) by signing a contract extension through 2028 a decision that comes amid strong interest from the Cameroon national team.
Reports indicated that Put was in discussions to replace his compatriot at the helm of Cameroon’s national side a job many regarded as a big step up in African football. But instead of jumping at the opportunity, Put opted to stay in Uganda. Sources said the invitation from Cameroon was genuine, though no formal offer was confirmed publicly.
Several factors appear to have swayed Put’s decision. First, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) announced that his new deal is designed to guide the Cranes through the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and into Uganda’s co-hosting role for AFCON 2027, signalling a serious, multi-year commitment.
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Put reportedly feels respected “by the Federation, by the players and also by the fans.” That sense of belonging and appreciation seems to have weighed more heavily than the allure of a high-profile job elsewhere. FUFA officials also said the extension was based on Put’s performance and how well he aligned with their technical master-plan. They noted that although FUFA rarely renews coaches’ mandates mid-cycle, this was an easy decision because of his work.
For Uganda, retaining Put sends a message of continuity something often lacking in national football setups. Under his first stint, Uganda qualified for AFCON 2025 and reached the CHAN quarter-finals for the first time.
For Cameroon, Put’s decision likely closes off a potential path to their coaching post, forcing them to re-evaluate their shortlist while Uganda gains a measure of technical stability.
Put’s mission now is to deliver results on the pitch: take the Cranes deeper into AFCON, build a competitive squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and set a solid platform for hosting AFCON 2027. The contract extension shows that FUFA is betting on a long-term turnaround rather than short-term fixes.
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