Salim Jamal hits back at FUFA after exclusion from Cranes squad over indiscipline claims

Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Salim Jamal has criticized the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) after being excluded from the squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, alleging he was left out due to supposed indiscipline.

In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Jamal defended his record, stating, “Being straight isn’t indiscipline, and I have never been an indisciplined player. I have played for six professional clubs with no suspension. I made peace with the Uganda Cranes, but framing me as an indisciplined player must stop. If you don’t like someone, it’s okay.”

Jamal’s exclusion follows his previous run-ins with FUFA, notably in 2019, when the football governing body’s disciplinary committee summoned him over comments he made during the players’ strike at the African Nations Cup in Egypt. During the strike, Jamal criticized Aru County MP Odonga Otto for condemning the Cranes players’ actions. He argued that Otto had misunderstood the situation, emphasizing that he would not fight over the modest allowances given for national team participation.

FUFA’s disciplinary committee deemed Jamal’s comments improper, abusive, insulting, and detrimental to the reputation of football, in violation of the federation’s rules and communications code.

The players’ sit-down strike in Egypt stirred mixed reactions among Ugandans, with some accusing the players of greed, while others defended their right to demand bonuses. After negotiations, FUFA agreed to pay each player $6,000 (approximately Shs22 million) in addition to the terms outlined in the Code of Conduct.

“FUFA has agreed to pay $6,000 over and above the agreed terms in the Code of Conduct, and matters of finances will not be discussed until the end of Uganda Cranes’ participation in the tournament,” read a statement from FUFA at the time.

The recent announcement of the Uganda Cranes squad for the 2025 Afcon qualifiers, set to face South Africa and Congo, included notable exclusions due to various reasons, including injuries and disciplinary issues. The squad selection has been under intense scrutiny, with fans and players alike voicing their opinions on the criteria used by the technical team led by head coach Paul Put.