KAMPALA. Ten years after scoring one of the goals that helped Uganda end a 39-year Africa Cup of Nations absence, Khalid Aucho is preparing to bid farewell to international football against the same opponents.
The former Uganda Cranes captain has been recalled for the November 14 encounter against Botswana at Hoima City Stadium, barely three weeks after announcing his retirement.
Coach Paul Put included the midfielder in his 30-man squad announced on Wednesday, October 28, to give him a fitting send-off following 13 years of national service.
The decision brings Aucho’s international journey full circle, with Botswana holding a special place in his career.
On June 4, 2016, Aucho scored Uganda’s second goal in a 2-1 victory over Botswana in Francistown during qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Luwagga Kizito had given Uganda an early lead before Aucho struck in the second half, with Onkabetse Makgantai scoring Botswana’s consolation.
The victory strengthened Uganda’s qualification campaign, which culminated in a 1-0 win over Comoros that September, securing the Cranes’ first Afcon appearance since 1978.
A decade later, the same opposition will provide the backdrop as supporters celebrate a midfielder who became one of Uganda’s most recognisable national-team figures.
Put explains farewell decision
Put revealed that he personally contacted Aucho after the midfielder announced his retirement on October 12.
“Aucho announced that he had retired from the national team. However, I reached out to him, appreciating that he is a great personality,” Put said during Wednesday’s squad announcement at FUFA House in Mengo.
“He is a great person not only on the pitch but also off the pitch.”
The Belgian coach explained that Aucho’s contribution deserved more than a retirement announcement.
“But for such a recognised player, Khalid needs an organised send-off,” Put said.
“So we have named him on the team so that he can have time with his friends on the team but also greet the fans.”
Put added that Aucho welcomed the arrangement, saying the midfielder deserved recognition for his service to Uganda.
A career of service
Aucho’s international career began in 2013, and he went on to represent Uganda at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2017, 2019 and 2025.
The 2017 appearance in Gabon was particularly significant, ending Uganda’s long absence from the continental showpiece.
He subsequently became an influential figure in midfield, providing defensive cover, leadership and experience across several national-team campaigns.
Aucho also enjoyed an extensive club career across East Africa, representing Simba, Tusker, Gor Mahia and Young Africans before moving to Ethiopia’s Sidama Bunna.
His time at Young Africans was especially successful, with the Tanzanian giants winning four consecutive league titles between 2022 and 2025.
Hoima farewell awaits
The Botswana fixture will also reunite Aucho with goalkeeper Denis Onyango, another veteran of Uganda’s historic 2017 Afcon qualification campaign.
Put’s squad includes emerging and foreign-based players such as Arnold Vula, Kelvin Boateng and Abdoulaye Sissako, reflecting Uganda’s preparations for the future.
Uganda will host Botswana on November 14 at 7pm before travelling for the return fixture on November 17.
Tickets for the Hoima encounter cost Shs20,000 for ordinary lower-tier seating, Shs30,000 for upper-tier seating and Shs150,000 for VIP.
For Aucho, the occasion promises something beyond the result: an opportunity to receive the appreciation of supporters after more than a decade in national colours.
The midfielder who helped defeat Botswana on the road to Gabon 2017 will now have the chance to close his Uganda Cranes chapter against the same opponents.