For years, Karl Anthony Uchechukwu Ikpeazu Mubiru’s international future has hung in the balance, with Uganda and Nigeria both eager to claim his services. Now, after a series of missed chances and unfortunate setbacks, the towering St. Johnstone striker is finally in Uganda—and determined to make his mark in national colours.
Since 2020, Mubiru’s name has featured on several Uganda Cranes call-up lists, under coaches Jonathan McKinstry, Milutin Sredojević, and Paul Put. Yet each invitation was met with disappointment—injuries, travel complications, and even the global pandemic forced him to watch from afar.
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That narrative has now changed. Mubiru arrived in Kampala over the weekend, reported to camp in Kisasi, and laced up his boots for his first full training session at Mandela National Stadium on Monday, as the Cranes prepare for crucial World Cup Qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia.
Speaking at a press conference after training, the 29-year-old could barely contain his excitement.
“It has been a long time coming, because every time I have been called up, there has been a situation, injuries, last time there was COVID-19,” Mubiru told reporters. “To finally be here, with the national team is amazing. I have not been to Uganda for almost two decades, so I’m excited.”
The striker, whose imposing frame and physical style have made him a standout in Scotland’s Premiership, emphasised the importance of chemistry with his new teammates.
“I feel good now. I have got my first training session with the boys. It is good to build a good bond and chemistry with the rest of the team,” he said.
Uganda, currently sitting fourth in Group G with nine points, are six points adrift of table-toppers Algeria, making the upcoming fixtures pivotal to their qualification hopes. Mubiru is eager to contribute and has already set his sights on the electric atmosphere of home support.
“Playing for the national team is a privilege and like I said I have not been here for a while but this is my country, and I’m relishing the opportunity to represent Uganda,” he stressed. “Of course there will be a lot of expectations and I want to be able to make the difference and help the team. I have seen a couple of games and I have seen the support the team has and cannot wait to experience it.”
For a player who has waited nearly five years for this moment, Monday’s training session marked more than just a debut in camp—it signalled the beginning of a long-anticipated chapter in his career.
Pressure is a previlege, it is a previlege to be in a position to want to represent your nation. i want to be the difference to help the team move forward.’ –@UcheIkpeazu @UgandaCranes #UgandaCranes pic.twitter.com/sRVkEqRvsZ
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) September 2, 2025
