Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put says Arnold Vula’s match-winning debut against Libya vindicated his long-standing interest in the striker.
Vula scored the decisive goal as Uganda defeated Libya 1-0 in Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The striker started ahead of Travis Mutyaba after remaining among the substitutes during Uganda’s 1-1 draw against Tunisia.
His opportunity arrived during first-half stoppage time after Aziz Kayondo was fouled outside Libya’s penalty area.
Allan Okello delivered the resulting free-kick before Vula attacked the ball strongly and headed Uganda into the lead.
It proved decisive on a difficult evening when Libya repeatedly tested Uganda before the hosts eventually secured three points.
Put later revealed Vula had remained on his radar long before earning his first senior international appearance.
“He is the kind of player who can score a goal from nothing,” Put said.“I have been following him for a long time. It is not because he is playing in Belgium.”
Vula currently plays for Belgian second-tier side Beerschot, where his performances strengthened his case for international recognition.
Put believes those club performances suggested Vula could offer something different within Uganda’s increasingly competitive attacking department.
“If you look at him, he scored 15 goals for his club last year,” Put said. “As a striker, he also had 7 assists. That is a lot.”
Available league statistics record Vula with 12 goals from 26 appearances during Beerschot’s 2025/26 league campaign.
He has already added three league goals this season before making his breakthrough appearance for Uganda against Libya.
Vula’s arrival comes as Put continues expanding his options ahead of Uganda’s home appearance at the 2027 continental finals.
The coach used the opening qualifiers to introduce several players while continuing competition for places throughout the squad.
Vula received his first start against Libya and immediately rewarded that faith with Uganda’s most important contribution.
“I think it was a great opportunity for us,” Put said. “I think he proved it today with the goal he scored. It was a fantastic goal.”
His contribution came after Uganda survived dangerous moments during an opening half largely shaped by Libya’s counter-attacking threat.
Captain Denis Onyango produced two important interventions before Vula changed the contest shortly before the half-time whistle.
Attention now shifts towards two international friendlies against DR Congo scheduled for October 2nd and October 5th in South Africa.
Vula travelled with the 28-player squad that arrived in South Africa following Uganda’s opening two AFCON qualifying matches.
The friendlies provide Put another opportunity to examine his attacking combinations without the immediate pressure attached to qualification points.
They could also give Vula further minutes as Uganda develops greater depth ahead of November’s next AFCON qualifying window.