Latest news with #Okello
CAF
3 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Five Cranes Flying High: Uganda's stars leading TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 charge
Uganda's journey at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 has been a story of resilience, revival, and rising belief. After opening their campaign with a sobering 3–0 defeat to Algeria in Kampala, the Cranes responded like a team on a mission, producing back-to-back wins that have reignited their hopes of a historic run. A 3–0 victory over Guinea was followed by a 2–0 triumph against Niger at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, lifting them to the top of their group and within touching distance of the quarter-finals. Their success has been built on tactical discipline, high-intensity pressing, and ruthless efficiency in front of goal. While the collective unit has been impressive, certain individuals have emerged as the driving force behind Uganda's turnaround. From commanding leadership in goal to creativity in midfield and composure in defence, these five players have been the heartbeat of a team determined to make their mark on home soil. Joel Mutakubwa – The Commanding Captain As captain and goalkeeper, Mutakubwa has been both the voice and the backbone of this Uganda side. Even in the defeat to Algeria, his key saves prevented the scoreline from being more damaging. Against Guinea, he marshalled the defence superbly, handling aerial threats with authority. His standout display came versus Niger, where decisive interventions – including a crucial save from a close-range header – earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award. Two consecutive clean sheets underline his value as both a leader and a shot-stopper. Allan Okello – The Midfield Orchestrator Okello's influence on the Cranes' resurgence cannot be overstated. Against Guinea, he ran the show from midfield, converting a penalty and dictating the tempo with precision. In the Niger clash, his resilience shone through – bouncing back from a missed penalty to score a fine header and later providing the assist for the second goal. His ability to control games, create chances, and deliver in key moments has made him the team's creative heartbeat. Reagan Mpande – The Relentless Engine Mpande has been the vital link between defence and attack, blending tireless running with intelligent positioning. His powerful header opened the scoring against Guinea, breaking the deadlock in a potentially tense contest. Versus Niger, his aggressive pressing forced mistakes, and it was his determination that won the foul leading to a penalty. Even when not on the scoresheet, his influence is felt in Uganda's control of midfield battles. Joel Sserunjogi – The Wing Menace Dynamic and direct, Sserunjogi has been a constant headache for opposing full-backs. His pace and work rate shone against Guinea, where he set up the opener and worked tirelessly in both attack and defence. Against Niger, he sealed the victory with a thunderous strike after linking up with Okello. Despite being suspended for the next match due to yellow card accumulation, his impact on Uganda's campaign so far has been immense. Hilary Mukundane – The Rock at the Back Mukundane is the Cranes' silent enforcer, excelling in the less glamorous but vital aspects of defending. Positionally disciplined and strong in the air, he has ensured the backline remains organised and difficult to breach. His leadership in defensive situations has allowed the full-backs to join attacks without fear of leaving gaps. Two clean sheets in as many games are a testament to his influence in shutting down opposition threats. Looking Ahead With momentum firmly on their side, Uganda now have the confidence and structure to push for a place among the continent's elite at CHAN 2024. These five standout performers have set the standard – combining experience, energy, and execution – and their continued influence could see the Cranes soar to new heights on home soil.
CAF
7 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Byekwaso tactical approach lifts Uganda, Niger searching for answers
Published: Tuesday, 12 August 2025 Uganda's CHAN 2024 journey came roaring back to life on Monday night as the Cranes outclassed Niger 2-0 at a packed Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala. In a contest where the numbers on paper told one story but the pitch told another, it was the hosts' tactical discipline — and Allan Okello's brilliance — that tipped the balance. Okello was the conductor and the finisher, scoring a 25th-minute opener before turning provider for the second 11 minutes after the restart. The statistics leaned towards Niger — more possession, more passes, and better accuracy — but the scoreboard reflected a Ugandan side that played with ruthless purpose. Uganda's Tactical Shift Pays Off The win came after a bruising start to the tournament, where Uganda were humbled 3-0 in their opener. Head coach Morley Byekwaso revealed that the turnaround was built on defensive organisation and mental resilience. 'We are extremely happy to have won our second match. We started the tournament with a 3-0 defeat, but we didn't lose focus. "We strengthened our defence, motivated our captains and gave our playmakers freedom. In a tournament, defending well and conceding no goals is crucial, because chances will come — and when you take them, you get results.' Byekwaso's approach stifled Niger's attack and allowed his creative players space to thrive — none more so than Okello, whose movement and precision were constant threats. Eyes on South Africa With South Africa next in the group, Byekwaso is already looking ahead. "We know they are very effective in the final third. We must be smart and careful, because they know our strengths and weaknesses. After that first defeat, we know how painful it is to lose — and we want to avoid that feeling again.' That clash could define Uganda's tournament, with qualification hopes now firmly within reach. Niger's Frustration Grows For Niger, the defeat extended a worrying trend — no goals in two matches. Head coach Harouna Doula Gabde was candid in his assessment. 'In the two games we've played so far, we've lacked the offensive arguments to truly trouble our opponents, Doula said. "Today, their first goal made their job easier. I'd like to review the footage to confirm the penalty decision. In attack, we lacked the ability to handle the physical impact of their defence. Yet he insisted there was still fight left in his side. 'We need to regroup for the two remaining matches, against South Africa and Algeria. "We must improve our finishing while keeping our defensive solidity. I don't think we lacked physical presence, but we did lack efficiency in the final third.' Qualification Race Heats Up With this win, Uganda moved into a strong position to challenge for a knockout berth. For Niger, the road ahead is far steeper, and unless their attack clicks soon, their CHAN 2024 journey may end early.
Telegraph
22-04-2025
- Telegraph
Rogue civil servant claimed more than £40,000 in fake expenses
A civil servant at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could face jail after raking in more than £41,000 in unauthorised expenses, a court heard. Maurice Okello, 39, also admitted handing his employers a forged sick note to pocket more than £4,000 and travel abroad while signed off work. The international policy adviser flew to places including Tampa, in Florida, Mexico City, Boston, the Greek island of Kos and Morocco under the guise of work travel. He also visited Brussels several times as well as the Swedish city of Gothenburg between December 2022 and September 2023. Okello admitted two charges of fraud at Southwark Crown Court. The first charge of fraud by false representation stated he 'provided a forged statement of fitness to work to your employer claiming you were unfit for work, intending to make a gain, namely being paid your salary of £4,138.96 whilst on sick leave and travelling abroad during the sick leave period'. Okello replied 'Guilty, yeah' when asked for his plea. The second count of fraud by abuse of position stated he 'committed fraud in that, while occupying a position, namely policy adviser at the DWP in which you were expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of DWP, you dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely £41,476.91 in unauthorised expenses'. Okello admitted this charge too. Warning him he could face a custodial sentence, Judge Christopher Hehir said: 'You have pleaded guilty to two serious offences. 'I am not going to sentence you today because the court needs a pre-sentence report to find out more about you and your circumstances, and the circumstances of these offences. 'You must understand the fact I've ordered a pre-sentence report and the fact I'm readmitting you to unconditional bail is no sort of promise, indication or guarantee of the sentence. 'All sentence options, including immediate custody will be open to the sentencing judge because these are serious matters involving a substantial breach of trust.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Yahoo
Rogue civil servant claimed more than £40,000 in fake expenses
A civil servant at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) could face jail after raking in more than £41,000 in unauthorised expenses, a court heard. Maurice Okello, 39, also admitted handing his employers a forged sick note to pocket more than £4,000 and travel abroad while signed off work. The international policy adviser flew to places including Tampa, in Florida, Mexico City, Boston, the Greek island of Kos and Morocco under the guise of work travel. He also visited Brussels several times as well as the Swedish city of Gothenburg between December 2022 and September 2023. Okello admitted two charges of fraud at Southwark Crown Court. The first charge of fraud by false representation stated he 'provided a forged statement of fitness to work to your employer claiming you were unfit for work, intending to make a gain, namely being paid your salary of £4,138.96 whilst on sick leave and travelling abroad during the sick leave period'. Okello replied 'Guilty, yeah' when asked for his plea. The second count of fraud by abuse of position stated he 'committed fraud in that, while occupying a position, namely policy adviser at the DWP in which you were expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of DWP, you dishonestly abused that position intending thereby to make a gain, namely £41,476.91 in unauthorised expenses'. Okello admitted this charge too. Warning him he could face a custodial sentence, Judge Christopher Hehir said: 'You have pleaded guilty to two serious offences. 'I am not going to sentence you today because the court needs a pre-sentence report to find out more about you and your circumstances, and the circumstances of these offences. 'You must understand the fact I've ordered a pre-sentence report and the fact I'm readmitting you to unconditional bail is no sort of promise, indication or guarantee of the sentence. 'All sentence options, including immediate custody will be open to the sentencing judge because these are serious matters involving a substantial breach of trust.' Okello, of Harrow Weald, north-west London, will be sentenced on June 13. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Zawya
10-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Political consultations between the Republic of Uganda and the Embassy of Egypt in Uganda
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uganda on the 6th February 2025 hosted a delegation from the Embassy of Egypt in Uganda for a of bilateral political consultation, aimed at further strengthening the long-standing relationship between Uganda and Egypt. The Egyptian delegation, led by Ambassador Monzer Selim, was welcomed by the Ugandan delegation, headed by Hon. Oryem Henry Okello, the Minister of state for International Affairs. With an aim of discussing issues of development and bilateral cooperation, the meeting streamlined discussions on the existing cooperation between Uganda and Egypt and explored avenues to expand their collaboration in areas of trade, investment, water health, infrastructure, and political cooperation. Ambassador Selim, in his remarks, shared the historical ties between Egypt and Uganda, emphasizing how the relationship has evolved over decades and backed by mutual respect and shared interests. He pointed out that the cooperation between the two countries has played a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of Uganda, with Egypt providing valuable support in sectors that are crucial to Uganda's growth. Specifically, the Ambassador highlighted Egypt's significant contributions to energy, food security, and water management. He emphasized that these areas have had a lasting impact on Uganda's communities, creating opportunities for sustainable development. One of the most notable areas of collaboration between the two countries has been Egypt's support for infrastructure development in Uganda. Ambassador Selim took pride in sharing about the just concluded groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Akii-Bua Stadium, a project that exemplifies Egypt's commitment to enhancing Uganda's sporting infrastructure. This collaboration builds on Egypt's previous contributions to various developmental initiatives in Uganda, including the construction of water facilities, weed removal project on L. Albert and Victoria, energy projects, and agricultural developments. Ambassador Selim expressed his confidence that these projects will have a profound and enduring impact on Uganda's development, particularly in terms of job creation and economic development. Hon. Okello, in turn, expressed Uganda's sincere appreciation for the continuous support and partnership that Egypt has provided over the years. He highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration in advancing Uganda's development agenda, particularly in the areas of energy, water, and food security, all of which are critical to the realization of Uganda's long-term development. Hon. Okello also emphasized the need for continued engagement between the two countries to explore new opportunities in trade, investment, and other key sectors. He noted that Egypt's experience in sectors such as agriculture and WASH development presents a valuable opportunity for Uganda to learn and grow through technical cooperation. The consultations also focused on deepening trade and investment relations between Uganda and Egypt. Both sides acknowledged the untapped potential in expanding bilateral trade, with a focus on sectors such as agriculture, man facturing, infrastructure, and water development projects. Hon. Okello proposed that both governments explore new avenues to foster increased trade between the two countries, as well as implement policies to create a more conducive environment for investment. Both delegations agreed that a more integrated approach to economic cooperation could contribute significantly to the sustainable economic growth of both nations, and by extension, the entire region. An important aspect of the discussions was the exploration of opportunities for enhanced people-to-people interactions. Ambassador Selim proposed that both countries work together to implement programs that facilitate capacity building exchanges, technical training, and the sharing of knowledge in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, water and energy security. Minister Okello also emphasized the value of such programs, noting that they could foster stronger ties between the people of Uganda and Egypt while also building a foundation for future cooperation in diverse sectors. Both delegations also discussed the broader regional context of how Uganda and Egypt can work together to address shared challenges facing Africa. These include issues such as regional security, and the promotion of peace and stability across the continent. The discussions highlighted the importance of a unified African approach to solving these challenges, with Uganda and Egypt reaffirming their commitment to working together within regional and continental frameworks. The bilateral political consultations between Uganda and Egypt have laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration in key areas of mutual interest. The discussions revealed a shared commitment to deepening bilateral ties and creating tangible opportunities for growth and development. Both nations have acknowledged the strategic importance of enhancing cooperation in sectors such as trade, food, water, energy and regional security. The partnership between Uganda and Egypt is a model for African cooperation, demonstrating how two nations, with a history of collaboration, can come together to tackle common challenges and harness their collective strengths. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Republic of Uganda - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
