Uganda President Yoweri Museveni on Thursday honoured former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango for his service with a Mitsubishi car worth an estimated Sh4.5 million.
Onyango, 35, played for Uganda Cranes 16 years and won the 2016 Caf African Footballer of the Year. He also represented Uganda at two Africa Cup of Nations, in 2017 in Gabon and 2019 in Egypt.
He however announced retirement from international football on April 12 in a letter addressed to FUFA chairman Moses Magogo.
The Cranes goalkeeper had 79 caps to his name since making his international debut in 2005 against Cape Verde.
He Started his career at Nsambya FC, SC Villa in Uganda before joining St George in Ethiopia, Supersport, Black Aces, Bidvest Wits and Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa.
The First Lady and Minister for Education and Sports Mama Janet Museveni is sad to see him leave. “It's a sad affair which we cannot do much about,” she said.
“I wish Onyango had come to discuss his idea of departure before going away, it’s possible we would have done something. I thank Onyango for giving us much pride as a country with his heroic efforts.”
Arguably the greatest sports personality in Uganda, Onyango came to the event with his mother and promised to play on for three more years. He gave the First Family his framed jersey.
Onyango flew into the country Thursday morning in the middle of a busy period at his club side Mamelodi Sundowns. Sundowns are top of the South African Premier Soccer League with five games to play.
On Friday, Onyango will be hosted by Parliament before departing to his club’s league visit to TS Galaxy on Sunday.