Bloodlines of Glory: Ugandans Ssebagala and Usama carry family torch toward CHAN 2024 breakthrough

As the countdown to the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) intensifies, Uganda Cranes hopefuls Enock Ssebagala and Usama Arafat are more than just promising talents—they are heirs to footballing legacies and determined dreamers aiming to etch their own names into national history.

Ssebagala: Walking the Path Kaweesa Paved

For Vipers SC midfielder Enock Ssebagala, a national team call-up is more than a career milestone—it’s a family tradition reborn. His older brother, Manko Kaweesa, a former URA FC stalwart and defensive midfield anchor, played a pivotal role during Uganda’s CHAN debut in 2011 in Sudan.

Though the Cranes bowed out in the group stages after facing continental heavyweights Algeria, Sudan, and Gabon, Kaweesa’s impact lives on—not just in the national record books, but in his younger brother’s rising ambitions.

“I’m very proud of Enock,” said Kaweesa. “Being summoned to the national team is no small feat when you’re among millions. CHAN is a fierce platform where careers are made. If Uganda gets to the final, everyone in that squad will turn heads globally.”

Inspired by Kaweesa’s discipline and legacy, Ssebagala views his own call-up as a divine opportunity.

“It’s a blessing and a major milestone for me,” He said. “My brother’s journey has taught me a lot. I want to build on what he started in 2011 and make my family proud.”
After an impressive campaign with NEC FC—where he played a vital role in the club’s surprise second-place finish in their debut StarTimes Uganda Premier League season—Ssebagala earned a move to Vipers SC and found himself on the Cranes’ radar.

While he didn’t feature in the CHAN qualification games against Burundi last December, his patience and persistence paid off with a senior debut in a friendly against Gambia, coming on for Bobosi Byaruhanga in a 1-1 draw. That moment only fueled his hunger to stake a claim in a competitive midfield pool that includes Abdu Watambala, Marvin Youngman, and Joel Sserunjogi.

“God is central in everything I’ve achieved,” Ssebagala shared. “But I’ve also stayed disciplined, worked hard, and remained coachable. That’s the foundation of my growth.”

Usama Arafat: Following Footsteps, Forging Wings

Like Ssebagala, KCCA FC’s dynamic winger Usama Arafat is navigating a path carved by a brother’s excellence. His elder sibling, Isima Watenga, stood tall between the posts for Uganda at CHAN 2016 in Rwanda and again in 2018 in Morocco.

Though the two occupy different roles on the field, the sibling connection runs deep. Watenga has long been Usama’s biggest motivator, offering mentorship and reminding him of what’s at stake.

“I’ve always known Usama has what it takes,” said Watenga. “CHAN changed my life. Now it’s his turn to use this opportunity to transform his future.”
With dazzling footwork, speed, and hunger to match, Usama has made his mark at KCCA FC and now eyes a greater stage. But beyond skills and stats, it’s his mentality that mirrors the legacy of his brother’s glove work—quiet confidence and a fierce will to succeed.

A Shared Mission: Family, Pride, and CHAN Glory

For Ssebagala and Usama, CHAN 2024 isn’t just about national duty—it’s about honoring bloodlines that bled for the crest before them and creating a new chapter for the next generation.

With Uganda set to co-host the tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania from August 2–28, 2025, the spotlight will shine brighter than ever. And for these two determined talents, guided by legacy and driven by ambition, it’s the perfect moment to rise.