Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa Meets Manchester United’s Andre Onana Ahead of AFCON Qualifier

By Emmanuel Sekago

The Deputy Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament, Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, a passionate Manchester United fan, met with Cameroon’s star goalkeeper Andre Onana at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala today, October 13, 2024.

Onana, who also plays as the custodian for Manchester United, is in Uganda to lead Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions against Kenya’s Harambee Stars in a 2025 AFCON Group J qualifier scheduled for Tuesday, October 15, at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

The picture of Tayebwa with Onana quickly sparked social media buzz among Ugandans, with many lightheartedly commenting on the Deputy Speaker’s football allegiance.

Senior journalist Ouma Stephen remarked, “We have a big English Premier League side Manchester United fan in Uganda – the Deputy Speaker himself!” Another fan, Michael, posted, “Where has our Deputy Speaker been hiding his Manchester United fandom all along?”

Amid the banter, some fans also pointed out Tayebwa’s loyalty to a team currently experiencing a challenging season. Rogers joked, “We pray our Deputy Speaker doesn’t show up at Namboole in his Manchester United jersey, especially with the Uganda Cranes away in South Sudan!”

Many other Manchester United fans in Uganda shared their excitement over seeing the Deputy Speaker meeting Onana, especially as he donned the iconic jersey of their favorite team. Despite the upcoming AFCON match between Cameroon and Kenya, Tayebwa’s camaraderie with Onana highlights the far-reaching connections of football fans in Uganda and their ties to the Premier League.

As the AFCON qualifier approaches, fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome, while Tayebwa’s public appearance with Onana has become a lighthearted reminder of the unifying power of football fandom.