Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, shared a warm encounter with Manchester United’s goalkeeper, André Onana, earlier today at the Sheraton Hotel.
Onana, who is in town with the Cameroon national team, is gearing up for the crucial Africa Cup of Nations 2025 (AFCON) qualifier against Kenya’s Harambee Stars, scheduled for tomorrow, October 14th.
The meeting between Tayebwa and Onana was a lighthearted affair, attended by Tayebwa’s son, both sporting Manchester United jerseys.
While speaking to journalists, Tayebwa remarked that the visit of stars to Uganda reflects the nation’s hospitality and the warmth of its people.
The deputy speaker, a passionate supporter of the English club, presented the Cameroonian shot-stopper with a beautifully crafted African accolade made in form of cow horns as a gesture of friendship and admiration. In return, Onana graciously signed autographs on their jerseys, much to the delight of Tayebwa and his son.
Tayebwa expressed his dream of seeing the entire Manchester United squad visit Uganda one day, promising that it would boost both tourism and football culture in the country.
The Cameroon vs. Kenya qualifier, to be played at the newly renovated Namboole Stadium, will be held behind closed doors, barring all fans from attending.
The strict measure follows a bizarre incident during Cameroon’s previous match against Zimbabwe at the same venue. That day, Manchester United fans unexpectedly thronged Namboole Stadium, chanting Onana’s name in fervent support for the goalkeeper.
This gesture bothered the Kenyan team, which feared the overwhelming local support for Cameroon might disrupt tomorrow’s match.
To avoid similar scenes, tournament organizers opted for an indoor match without fans, a decision that has sparked mixed reactions from football fans across Uganda especially Manchester United supporters who were eager to witness the action live.
