As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) draws closer, two young stars Enock Ssebagala of Vipers SC and Usama Arafat of KCCA FC are eyeing their breakthrough on the continental stage, driven by a deep family legacy and inspired by brothers who once flew the Uganda Cranes flag with pride.
Ssebagala Following in Kaweesa’s Footsteps
For Enock Ssebagala, the journey to CHAN is more than just national duty; it’s personal. His elder brother Manko Kaweesa, a revered defensive midfielder and former URA FC captain, was a key figure in Uganda’s historic debut at CHAN 2011 in Sudan. Despite the Cranes failing to advance from a tough group that included Algeria, Sudan and Gabon, Kaweesa left a lasting impression that continues to echo through Enock’s rising career.
‘I am happy that my brother was summoned to the national team, it’s a proud moment,’ said Kaweesa.
‘If you’re recognized among over 40 million Ugandans, you must be grateful. CHAN is a tough tournament since 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,’ he added.
Motivated by his brother’s journey, Ssebagala is eager to step into the same spotlight and take the family legacy even further.
‘It’s a big opportunity to be called up for CHAN, and I thank God for this blessing,’ said Ssebagala.
‘To me, it’s 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.’
Ssebagala’s stock has risen rapidly. Last season, he was one of the standout performers in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League while at NEC FC, playing a pivotal role in the club’s impressive second-place finish in their debut top-flight campaign. His performances earned him a move to Vipers SC and subsequently a place on the national radar.
Although he didn’t feature during Uganda’s CHAN qualifying doubleheader against Burundi last December, he remained patient. That patience paid off with a senior Cranes debut in a recent friendly against Gambia, where he came on as a substitute for Bobosi Byaruhanga in a game that ended 1-1. It was an emotional and proud moment for the 23-year-old midfielder.
Now, with the CHAN tournament set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania from 2nd August to 30th August 2025 on the horizon, Ssebagala is hungry for more, despite fierce midfield competition from players like Shamir Kimwero, Marvin Youngman, Abdu Watambala and Joel Sserunjogi.
‘God is everything in my journey, but I’ve also worked hard, listened to coaches, and stayed focused on teamwork,’ Ssebagala added.
‘That’s been key to my growth.’
Usama Arafat: Inspired by Watenga’s Gloves to Make His Own Mark
Just like Ssebagala, KCCA FC winger Usama Arafat is writing his own story with inspiration drawn from his elder brother, Isima Watenga, a decorated goalkeeper who featured in the 2016 CHAN tournament in Rwanda and the 2018 edition in Morocco.
Though they operate in different roles on the pitch, the bond is strong and so is the advice. Watenga has backed his younger sibling from day one, always urging him to rise above the noise and seize big moments like CHAN to elevate his career.
‘I’ve always believed in Usama. He’s talented and ready, but now he needs to prove himself on a bigger stage,’ Watenga noted.
‘CHAN is the perfect platform. It changed my life and it can change his,’ he added.
Usama has already shown glimpses of his quality in the Uganda Premier League with KCCA FC, and now he’s determined to follow in his brother’s footsteps this time not from between the sticks, but down the wings with pace, flair and hunger.
Two Brothers. Two Dreams. One Mission.
With CHAN 2024 fast approaching, Ssebagala and Usama find themselves on the brink of their biggest footballing moments yet fuelled by their families, driven by ambition and inspired by the legacies they hope to match or even surpass.
For these two Cranes hopefuls, CHAN isn’t just a tournament it’s the gateway to bigger dreams, with the echoes of Kaweesa and Watenga’s footsteps guiding them every step of the way.
Uganda’s fixtures at the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024
