Bevis Mugabi: Wearing the Uganda Cranes Shirt Is a Family Pride

Uganda Cranes defender Bevis Mugabi says representing his country has been one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.

The 30-year-old, who joined English Lower division side Carlisle United recently after a spell in Cyprus with Anorthosis Famagusta, first received a call-up for Uganda in 2019 under Coach Jonathan McKinstry.

Since then, he has represented the Cranes at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, gaining experiences he describes as both “amazing” and deeply personal.

“It was just before AFCON 2019 when I first went,” Mugabi recalled as quoted by News and Star.

“I’d spoken to the [Uganda] manager a few times previously and he was keen to bring me in. After that, I fell in love with going there, getting to see my family there as well, and representing my country. The way they embraced me was amazing.”

Mugabi, born and raised in Harrow, England, says the pride of wearing the Uganda shirt is magnified by the joy it brings to his family.

“I’m proud to wear the Uganda shirt, more so for my family, because they get to experience it with me. Especially for my mum, seeing the joy that it gives her… it’s special,” he said.

The defender also praised the support he has received from fans at his club, after he saw them wave a Ugandan flag at one of the games recently. “It was, from those supporters, a nice way of welcoming me to my new home. I went over to them and embraced them and said, ‘That’s a nice touch that you’ve done for me personally,’” he said. “Every time I see it, I make sure I give them a little wave and embrace them a little bit.”

Looking ahead, Mugabi sees the next major milestone for Uganda as the World Cup. “Having played at AFCON, I think the next step is naturally the World Cup. Having the chance to go there would be amazing,” he said.

Mugabi was not called for the October window by coach Paul Put.

While his ambitions with the Cranes are clear, Mugabi’s focus remains on performing at Carlisle United, where he continues to build on a career that has included spells with Motherwell, Yeovil Town, and a formative period at Southampton among others.