Jonathan Lukangi
Sep 29, 2023
min
read

Divine Mukasa Signs for Manchester City, Eligible to Play for Uganda

Divine Mukasa a British-Ugandan born football star signed to Manchester City football club.
Copy link

Kenya had Victor Wanyama, who played for Tottenham Hot Spurs. Then Tanzania’s Mbwana Samatta signed for Aston Villa. Uganda might finally get a Ugandan player in the English Premier league, even if right now he’s still British.

Last week Divine Mukasa, 16, signed for Premier League champions Manchester City on a long-term contract. He came from West Ham, where he spent ten years in the team’s academy. He made 10 appearances for the club’s U-18 team, scoring once with an assist.

Mukasa took to Instagram to confirm the move, posting a photo with the caption: ‘Go time!’ followed by a signing emoji.



But what is exciting Ugandans is that the teenager is eligible to play for Uganda, among three countries he can choose from. Although born in Britain his father, Sam Mukasa, is from Uganda; while his mother, Liam, is from Lithuania. So he can play for any the three countries: Britain, Uganda or Lithuania.

But the news brought mixed reactions from Ugandans, some of whom felt he would be wasting his time to play for Uganda in the hundreds of social media posts after the news broke.

“Uganda isn't the best place for him to exploit his talent, there are so many talents from Uganda but before we change our structure they will never benefit the country” - Rashid  Muyanja

“He can't play for confused Uganda Cranes” - Kelon Dario Decircuit

“The boy is English not a Ugandan, like Bukayo Saka. How can such a talent come to Uganda where the football Association is poor and corrupt?” - Sendegeya Ronald

“Leave the boy alone. He's English born and raised in England. Better develop your facilities so as to groom your players rather than admiring those groomed by other countries with high quality facilities.” - James Baker

“I pray he doesn't join Uganda Cranes.... they play village football” - Bazira Brian Rivers

“Divine is talented but sloppy, he can't match our football. Besides, we have more boys that need this opportunity. He is already earning let him remain in England.” - Okolong Emmanuel.

But some were happy for him:

“That's great news, it's not about playing for Uganda but where he is  going now”. - Mugula Patrick

Mukasa is an attacking midfielder who rose quickly through the ranks of West Ham’s youth academy, and made his U-18 debut when just 15 years of age. That team went on to win the 2022-23 Premier League South Championship. He has been called up for the England U-16 team.

He has been described as a talented midfielder that can also play several positions, including the no 10 position. A skilled, speedy player with an eye for goal, he is regarded as one of the most promising young players in English football.

‍

Subscribe to the weekly newsletter
No spam. Just the latest releases, interesting articles, and exclusive interviews in your inbox every week.

More stories Read more

You Must Come Back Home.

Ugandan Government Order Embassies in The Diaspora to Stop Replacing Passports.
S. Waziri Hassan

Returning Africa’s Looted Treasures - A Pipe Dream?

The fight to return Africa’s lost treasures has been going on at least since the 1960s, and Western museums have doggedly fought back against this.
Jonathan Lukangi

Uganda Named Africa’s Best Investment Destination at the Annual Investment Meeting in Abu Dhabi U.A.E.

This follows the recognition of the various strategies by the investment agencies in the country to promote direct foreign investment through provision of an enabling environment upon which business thrives all while paying attention to climate change.
Emmanuel Kwesiga

Selling African Human Remains To The Highest Bidder

UK Auction House Slammed Over Sale of African Human Remains.
S. Waziri Hassan

Abraham Godson: Euro Financier Turned Goat Farmer - A Journey of Impact

In the annals of Nigerian history, John Abraham Godson's story stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a non-wavering commitment to making a difference.
Mutayoba Arbogast

Blue Ivy Carter Lands Voice Role Alongside Her Mother Beyoncé In The Lion King Prequel Mufasa: The Lion King

Barry Jenkins on his chronicles with the souls and folk within the African diaspora as a dream come true through the prequel. 
Emmanuel Kwesiga

The African Gambit

Tunde Onakoya, the African chess giant sets a global record.
S. Waziri Hassan

Unveiling Truths and Tarnishing Images: The Dichotomy of Social Media Influence

The power of social media influencers like Kimambi to shape narratives and mobilize support cannot be underestimated. Yet, their actions can also inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of stereotypes and negative perceptions, painting a one-dimensional picture of countries struggling with complex issues.
Mutayoba Arbogast

Salim Abubakar’s Tales of Kenzera: Zau Unlatches a New Era of Video Game Story and Gameplay Experience

Reflecting upon the loss of his dad 10 years ago and his Kenyan heritage, Abu’s new game sets out to captivate its players with a deep story of grief and African Mythology and legends al bundled up in an engaging gameplay experience and high-end visual work. 
Emmanuel Kwesiga

UK Government Raise in the Minimum Income Requirements for Family Visas and Skilled Workers

Who will feel the pinch and how do families navigate these rough waters?
Emmanuel Kwesiga

When Africans in the USA Cease to be Africans

When Adele James, a mixed-race British actress, was cast as the last Egyptian Pharaoh Cleopatra in a TV series that ran on Netflix, the Egyptians complained. A government official went as far as to insist that Cleopatra was Greek, not black. A portion of the Egyptian population called for a boycott of the TV series.
Jonathan Lukangi

Kenya’s Peres Jepchirchir Breaks Women’s only world record In London: Wins the All women’s London Marathon 2024.

The athlete and Olympic champion Jepchirchir claimed her victory in women’s only world-record time of 2 hours:16minutes:16seconds in the London marathon.
Emmanuel Kwesiga

No Census for Ugandans in the diaspora

May 10th has been declared a public holiday in Uganda, and all those who would be deemed to have been in Uganda from midnight will be counted, according to Dr Mukiza.
Jonathan Lukangi

Travelling Solo as a Black Woman

Pelumi Nubi, born in Lagos Nigeria but grew up in London, decided to start her inspiring, daring voyage on January 24 from the UK, in her Peugeot 107. For over two months, the 29 year old travelled from city to city, country to country, experiencing different cultures and ambiance in 17 countries.
S. Waziri Hassan 

Immigrants and the Job Markets in the West

Economists believe that the post-pandemic surge in immigration is a key reason the U.S economy has been able to grow steadily without pushing inflation higher, as the new arrivals have helped employers fill roles at levels of pay that have kept a lid on overall price growth.
S. Waziri Hassan

Zimbabwe's Gold-Backed Currency Amid Economic Turbulence: Lessons for Tanzania's Stability

Zimbabwe's tumultuous economic history, marked by mismanagement and hyperinflation, has eroded trust in its central bank and currency. Previous attempts at currency reforms, such as the introduction of the bond note, ended disastrously due to overprinting and loss of value.
Mutayoba Arbogast

European Migration Pact

European Parliament Approves Reforms to Tighten The Eu’s Migration and Asylum Rules.
S. Waziri Hassan

Five Reasons Why India Has the Largest and Most Influential Diaspora in The World: Lessons for the African diaspora

Since 2010, India has proudly held the title for harboring the largest diaspora globally. Across all continents, individuals of Indian descent have dispersed, their influence steadily amplifying with each passing day. But why is this? Herein, we discuss part of that blueprint.
Emmanuel Kwesiga

Sunna Sepetu Extradition

Sunna Sepetu Extradition-Global Fraudster Brought to Justice Through International Cooperation
Mutayoba Arbogast

Semhar Araia: the woman whose strategies are creating impact on the African diaspora and Africa

In the same spirit of celebrating some of the most phenomenal women, we delve into the impactful strategist’s contribution towards the development of African professional women, African diaspora and African Affairs.
Emmanuel Kwesiga