Sentamu’s second coming: From CHAN 2014 starlet to Uganda’s hope on home soil

From the picturesque hills of Kasese to the continental football stage, Yunus Junior Sentamu’s rise has been nothing short of cinematic. Now a seasoned Uganda Cranes forward, Sentamu—popularly known as “Manucho”—is reliving the memories of his 2014 CHAN breakout as he readies for another shot at glory in the 2024 edition, this time on home turf.

From Forbidden Game to National Pride

Born to Mr. Kayanja Abdul and Mrs. Kabuwo Ramlah, Sentamu’s journey began under strict household rules in Kasese, where football was considered a distraction from academics. Yet, the fire to play burned within him.

“I wasn’t allowed to play, but my childhood friend Kibaya would help me sneak out,” Sentamu reminisces. “He even did my house chores just to get me on the pitch. He’s still my biggest supporter,”, he said in an interview with FUFA communications department.

That rebellious passion led him to Mengo Noor Primary School in Kampala. Even then, his mother’s watchful eye kept football at bay until a school trip to a tournament in Egypt changed everything. Desperate to seize his chance, Sentamu begged his uncle for white soccer boots. With those boots, he lit up the pitch—even though his team lost to Juventus Makindye, his flair caught the attention of the late Peter Ssebulime.

“He went all the way to Kasese, spoke to my parents, and promised to take care of both my education and football. He became my football father,” Sentamu recalls.

Under Ssebulime’s mentorship, Sentamu’s academic and football journey continued through St. Julian Gayaza and later St. Mary’s Kitende, thanks also to Director Sserugo, a football enthusiast who believed in his potential.

CHAN 2014: A Star is Born

Uganda’s second appearance at the African Nations Championship in 2014, held in South Africa, was meant to be about development. But for Sentamu, it became the tournament that launched his professional career.

Initially not even in the squad, Sentamu was drafted late to replace striker Patrick Edema. Surrounded by national team regulars like Vincent Kayizzi, Joseph Mpande, and Crespo Asiku, Sentamu thought he’d just be a bench warmer—until coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic surprised everyone by starting him against Burkina Faso.

“I was terrified walking from the hotel to the pitch,” he confesses. “But coach Fred Kajoba pulled me aside and said, ‘Be confident, you’ll score.’ And I did—twice.”

Uganda won that match 2-1, and Sentamu became an instant fan favourite. He went on to score three goals in the tournament, sharing the golden boot with South Africa’s Bernard Parker.

After the match, the late Ivan Ssemwanga rewarded each Cranes player with $200. Sentamu, in a touching gesture, gave half of his share to Kajoba for his words of belief.

His performances caught the attention of AS Vita Club in DR Congo, where he helped them reach the CAF Champions League final in his debut season—a dream turn for a boy once forbidden from touching a ball.

2024: A Homecoming of Destiny

Ten years later, Sentamu is back in CHAN colours, preparing for the 2024 edition co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Uganda will be appearing in its seventh straight CHAN, but is yet to break through the group stages.

“This is our time,” Sentamu says with conviction. “We’ve always had the talent, but now we have experience too. We must go beyond the groups.”

The Cranes face a daunting Group C challenge alongside Algeria, South Africa, Guinea, and Niger—but Sentamu is unfazed.

“I’ve played against these teams or their playing styles at club level. The game has changed—it’s no longer about big names. It’s about mentality, preparation, and hunger.”

The Weight and Wonder of Home Advantage
For the first time, Uganda will host part of the CHAN tournament, adding both pressure and pride.

“Home advantage is special,” says the Vipers SC forward. “The fans lift you, but expectations are higher. Still, this is our ground, our people, our moment.”

Sentamu believes that the 2024 tournament could be the crowning event of FUFA’s centenary year.

“Football is about seizing moments. Hosting CHAN is one of those once-in-a-lifetime chances,” he says. “We need to believe—this is history waiting to be written.”

From White Boots to White Jerseys

Sentamu’s story is a living testament to the power of persistence, mentorship, and faith. From sneaking onto fields in Kasese to scoring goals under the CHAN spotlight, his journey proves that dreams delayed are not dreams denied.

And as he looks toward CHAN 2024, Sentamu has one message for Ugandans:

“This is our moment. Let’s make it count.”