Uganda Cranes’ AFCON 2025 journey will be remembered more for frustration than footballing progress, as the team bowed out at the group stage in one of their poorest continental campaigns in recent history. Winless and rooted to the bottom of their group, Uganda exited the tournament early, raising fresh questions about performance, preparation, and long-term competitiveness at Africa’s biggest football stage.
On the pitch, the contrast with regional rivals was evident. Tanzania, another East African representative, pushed beyond the group phase and reached the Round of 16, where they were narrowly eliminated 1–0. While neither side progressed deep into the tournament, Tanzania’s advancement highlighted the growing gap in recent tournament outcomes between the two neighbours, adding to the disappointment surrounding Uganda’s early elimination.
Yet, despite the sporting setback, all was not lost for the Cranes financially. Under CAF’s AFCON 2025 prize money structure, Uganda will receive USD 500,000 for finishing fourth in their group. At the current exchange rate, this translates to approximately UGX 1,804,195,000—a significant sum that offers some consolation after a painful campaign.
CAF has steadily increased prize money at its competitions over the years, with AFCON 2025 carrying a total prize pool of USD 32 million. While only the tournament winner benefits from an increase compared to AFCON 2023, teams eliminated early still receive meaningful financial rewards. The breakdown sees the champion earn USD 10 million, the runner-up USD 4 million, and even group-stage teams like Uganda guaranteed a half-million dollars.
For Uganda, the prize money now presents an opportunity, and a responsibility. While the AFCON 2025 campaign exposed deep weaknesses on the field, the financial return offers a chance to reinvest in development, technical structures, and future planning. The Cranes may have exited early, but how this money is used could determine whether this disappointing chapter becomes a turning point or a missed opportunity.
