Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, has called on Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana to encourage the Premier League team to visit Uganda.
Tayebwa made the request during a meeting with Onana at Kampala Sheraton Hotel on Sunday, where the Cameroonian national football team is staying ahead of their AFCON 2025 qualifier match against Kenya at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Speaking to Onana, Tayebwa highlighted the strong support Manchester United enjoys in Uganda, despite the team’s current struggles.
He expressed his hope that a visit by the club would strengthen ties and provide an opportunity for both players and fans to connect.
“Manchester United has a lot of fans here in Uganda,” Tayebwa said.
“We might be struggling as a team, but we remain loyal supporters, and we believe we will return to our winning ways. My request to you, Onana, is to tell Manchester United to visit Uganda because we love the team so much.”
Tayebwa also noted the cultural similarities between Uganda and Cameroon, pointing out their shared cuisine and friendly relations, before wishing Onana success in the upcoming match.
In response, Onana thanked Ugandans for the warm reception and hinted at the possibility of returning to Uganda soon.
“I am very grateful for the support I receive here, and hopefully, I will be back in the summer with more time to spend together,” he said.
Tayebwa’s appeal to Onana not only focused on football but also on Uganda’s potential as a tourist destination.
The country is home to a wide array of natural wonders, including the source of the Nile, mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and beautiful national parks like Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls.
A visit by Manchester United could boost Uganda’s tourism industry and place it on the global stage, drawing more visitors to explore its diverse attractions.
Onana’s Cameroon side will face Kenya on Monday in the return leg of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
