)
Uganda Cranes captain Emmanuel Okwi has retired from national duty.
The 32-year-old made the announcement on March 18, 2025, stating that he would like to give upcoming talents a chance to showcase their skills ahead of the 2025 CHAN tournament and the 2027 AFCON.
An exciting new era for Ugandan football is coming up with East Africa hosting the CHAN later this August and subsequently the AFCON 2027 with many young footballers coming up. That is why, having cherished all those memories, I believe it is time for me to bow out and pave the way for our talented young football players.
Okwi noted he is well pleased with his career with the national team and will retire with his head high.
)
)
)
Representing my country on the international stage has been a fulfilling dream that came true.
Donning the Uganda Cranes shirt always left a special feeling and captaining our team was an absolute privilege and honour.
I will always hold close to my heart the love shown to me by all the fans and my special thanks go to my family, Coach Bobby Williamson who handed me a debut, and all the successive coaches thereafter with whom we created memories together through thick and thin and of course the leadership at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).
)
Okwi scored 28 goals in 95 appearances, having made his debut in 2009.
He featured at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring two goals, one against DR Congo and the other against Zimbabwe.
At the club level, he currently plies his trade for Kiyovu SC in Rwanda.