By Eumu Emmanuel
Uganda’s Deputy Speaker, Thomas Tayebwa, had the opportunity to meet Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala on Sunday.
This significant encounter highlighted the intersection of sports and politics, as Onana is visiting Uganda for the second time. He is preparing for the Indomitable Lions’ match against Kenya in Group J of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Monday.
Tayebwa, a passionate football fan and dedicated Manchester United supporter, expressed his enthusiasm about the meeting. “We view Africa as one, so seeing our brother carrying the flag for our continent fills us with pride. We wish him all the success,” he stated during their interaction.
While acknowledging Onana’s competition against East African teams, Tayebwa emphasized the importance of the goalkeeper’s achievements. “The goalkeeping position is tough to break into, but seeing Manchester United’s number one goalkeeper from Africa is a proud moment for every African,” he noted.
Onana’s previous visit to Uganda last month attracted significant attention, with local fans flocking to Namboole Stadium to watch him in action during the goalless draw against Zimbabwe.
As a standout figure in African football, Onana’s presence in Uganda reflects the continent’s growing influence in the sport. This meeting between Tayebwa and Onana underscores the unifying power of football, fostering connections between top athletes and national leaders, in a celebration of shared pride and ambition for African sports.
