Belgium-born coach Paul Put is doubling down on preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, even as whispers persist linking him to a job in Cameroon and with his FUFA contract due to expire in November.
Put, the tactician who steered Burkina Faso to the 2013 AFCON final, says his focus remains squarely on readying the Cranes for a testing group that includes Tunisia, Nigeria and neighbours Tanzania.
Speaking to Cafonline, he outlined a compact build-up that blends competitive fixtures and intensive camps designed to sharpen his squad’s match-readiness.
We treated the October World Cup qualifiers as part of our build-up and will follow them with two friendlies in November,” Put explained, noting that early-December will see the team assemble in Kampala for a closed training camp that will include an open session for supporters.
The side will then fly to Rabat for further tune-ups and internationals ahead of a group opener against Tunisia on December 23.
He described Nigeria as a perennial heavyweight whose squad bristles with talent and European-honed experience.
Tunisia, he said, are tactically disciplined and technically accomplished, a team that is difficult to unsettle. And Tanzania, the regional adversary, brings youthful energy and familiarity that makes derby-type clashes unpredictable.
“We will respect all of them, but we are not intimidated. We will give a good account of ourselves,” Put added, underlining his belief that Uganda can compete despite the calibre of their rivals.
The upcoming AFCON will mark Uganda’s eighth appearance at the continental showpiece and their first since the 2019 tournament in Egypt.
With contract questions hanging in the air, Put’s public messaging has been resolute: regardless of off-field speculation, the head coach’s immediate priority is ensuring the 1978 finalists head into Morocco battle-ready.
FUFA has not released details about any renewal talks and the coach’s deal formally lapses in November, a timeline that has fuelled the transfer links to Cameroon.
For now, however, the calendar on the pitch is clear: competitive matches in October and November, a December camp in Kampala with fan access, then final preparations in Rabat before the Cranes take on Tunisia on December 23.
