Aucho proclaims retirement from Worldwide soccer after 13-years with Uganda Cranes

David GOMBE

Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho has formally introduced his retirement from worldwide soccer, bringing an finish to an unforgettable 13-year journey with the nationwide group.

In an official assertion launched on October 12, 2026, Aucho confirmed his resolution to bow out from the nationwide group.

“At present, I formally announce my retirement from worldwide soccer after an unforgettable 13-year journey representing my nation, the Uganda Cranes,” Aucho acknowledged.

The combative midfielder made his worldwide debut on November 30, 2013, and went on to earn 77 caps, having the final word honour of captaining the nationwide group.

“From my worldwide debut on November 30, 2013, to incomes 77 caps and having the final word honor of captaining our Nationwide group, carrying the black, yellow, and purple jersey has been the best privilege of my life,” he mentioned.

Rising up as a younger boy working at Bugembe market abattoir, Aucho mirrored on attaining his dream of listening to the nationwide anthem on the largest phases of world soccer.

He was a part of the historic squad that ended Uganda’s 38-year look ahead to Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification and went on to characteristic in three AFCON tournaments, main the nation onto the pitch as captain on the 2025 continental showpiece in Morocco.

Aucho prolonged his deepest gratitude to FUFA and the directors who supported his journey, his coaches together with Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic, Sebastien Desabre, Johnathan McKinstry and Paul Put, with a particular tribute to the late Fred Kajoba “whose perception and steerage modified my life.”

He additionally thanked his teammates,

“My brothers on the pitch with whom I fought, celebrated, and shared historic moments” and the followers, “The heartbeat of Ugandan soccer. Your roar at Namboole and help throughout the nation stored us going by each problem.”

“Whereas my journey on the pitch with the nationwide group involves an finish, my dedication to Ugandan soccer stays unchanged. It’s now time for a brand new era of heroes to step ahead, carry the flag, and write their very own historical past. I stay up for supporting them as one in all Uganda’s largest followers,” Aucho added.

“I go away the nationwide group with a coronary heart filled with gratitude, immense satisfaction, and unbreakable love for my nation. For God and My Nation.”

He signed off along with his trademark message: “As soon as A Crane, At all times A Crane.”  At membership stage,  Aucho has had stints at Jinja Municipal, Water FC and Simba in Uganda earlier than becoming a member of Tusker (Kenya), Gor Mahia (Kenya), Baroka (South Africa), El-Makasa (Egypt), East Bengal (India), Pink Star Belgrade (Serbia), Churchhill Brothers, Makkasa, Younger Africans and Singida Black Stars.