From the hilly beauty of Kasese to continental glory, Uganda Cranes forward Yunus Junior Sentamu has lived the kind of football journey that sounds like a scripted fairy tale, except it’s all true. As the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) draws closer, “Manucho” reflects on his humble beginnings, career-defining 2014 tournament, and the rare opportunity to write a new chapter in front of home fans.
From Forbidden Football to the Global Stage
Born to Mrs. Kabuwo Ramlah and Mr. Kayanja Abdul, Sentamu’s story begins far from the floodlights of football stadia. Raised in Kasese, his parents particularly his mother were strictly against him playing football, urging him to focus on education. But fate, passion and one childhood friend changed everything.
“My friend Kibaya would come home, help me with housework, and then take me to play football. He’s still my number one supporter. Eventually, he convinced my parents to give me a chance,” Sentamu recalls with gratitude.
That small door of opportunity led him to Mengo Noor Primary School in Kampala. Still, under his mother’s close watch, football was out of the question until a chance to travel for a tournament in Egypt emerged. Determined to make the most of it, Sentamu pleaded for white soccer boots from his uncle and with boots in hand and courage in heart, he dazzled.
Although his team fell short to Juventus Makindye, Sentamu’s performance caught the eye of the late Peter Ssebulime, who would become his football father.
“He talked to my parents in Kasese and promised to take full responsibility for my education and football. He kept his word,” Sentamu says.
Soon after, he joined St. Julian Gayaza for secondary school and later St. Mary’s Kitende for A-Level studies all thanks to Ssebulime’s mentorship and the football-loving Director Mr. Sserugo.
CHAN 2014: The Breakthrough
Uganda’s second appearance at CHAN in 2014 South Africa was supposed to be a learning curve, but it turned out to be Sentamu’s launchpad to stardom.
At the time, he was a last-minute addition, filling in for striker Patrick Edema who had left for Portugal.
“I was nervous,” Sentamu admits. “There were so many quality players—Crespo Asiku, Joseph Mpande, Vincent Kayizzi, I didn’t expect to play.”
But in the team meeting, then-coach Micho Sredojevic turned to the young forward and handed him a surprise start against Burkina Faso.
“I was trembling from the hotel to the pitch walk,” he says. “Then the late coach Fred Kajoba pulled me aside and told me to be confident, that I would score. And I did a brace!”
Uganda won that match 2-1 and Sentamu never looked back. He finished the tournament with three goals, tied with South Africa’s Bernard Parker, becoming the joint top scorer.
After the game, the late businessman Ivan Ssemwanga visited the Cranes’ camp and gave each player $200. And Sentamu gave $100 to Kajoba for his faith and encouraging words prior to the game.
That performance opened big doors. AS Vita Club of DR Congo came calling, and with them, Sentamu reached the CAF Champions League final in his debut season.
Returning to CHAN After a Decade
Now, ten years later, Sentamu is back for the 2024 CHAN, co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Uganda will be making their seventh consecutive appearance, and the Vipers SC forward is determined to help them reach the knockout stages for the first time ever.
“I’m praying to God that I’ll do even better this time around,” he says. “We’ve always had talent but never made it out of the groups. This time, we must.”
Uganda has been drawn in a tough Group C alongside Algeria, South Africa, Niger, and Guinea but Sentamu remains unfazed.
“I’ve faced most of these teams or their styles at club level. Football has changed. It’s no longer about names, it’s about preparation, hard work and belief.”
Home Crowd, Home Pressure, Home Glory?
For the first time ever, Uganda will host CHAN matches on their soil something that’s both exciting and nerve-wracking.
“Playing at home is special,” he says. “The fans give you energy, but they also demand more. We must use that energy to our advantage.”
He believes this edition could be the most iconic in FUFA’s 100-year history.
“Football is about moments. And this is one of those moments,” he says. “We just have to believe that this is our time to make history.”
As Uganda prepares for the tournament kickoff, Sentamu’s story is a reminder that dreams can be delayed but not denied. From a mother who said no, to a mentor who said yes. From a white pair of boots to the grandest stages of African football. From nervous teenager to national icon, Yunus Jr. Sentamu’s journey is far from over.
And if his words are anything to go by, he’s just getting started again.
“This is our moment. Let’s make it count.”
