Uganda Cranes utility midfielder, Khalid Aucho has publicly apologized to FUFA and fans for not following the code of conduct set up for national team players that saw him sent packing from the national team camp.
FUFA in a statement on Friday said that the Egypt-based midfielder was dismissed from camp for not following laid down protocol as the team prepares for the crucial Afcon qualifying games between Malawi and Burkina Faso.
“Khalid Aucho has been dismissed from Uganda Cranes Camp for failure to adhere to the National team Code of Conduct and Fufa Circular dated 4th March 2021.Aucho refused to board the official means of transport organised to pick him from Entebbe International Airport to the team camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel-Kisasi and has not even reported to camp since his arrival in the country,” FUFA ‘s statement said in part .
But Sunday, Aucho apologized and said he took full responsibility for his wanton behaviour .
“I am remorseful and I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension from the national team camp for the forthcoming AFCON qualifiers against Burkina Faso and Malawi.I regret my actions and am ready to put this chapter behind me as it’s a dream to represent my country. To FUFA, fellow players, fans, family and friends; I can only say I’m sorry,”Aucho stated .
“I also accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point but this is my only official statement and it’s from the bottom of my heart. I wish the Uganda cranes success in the two encounters and I hope for the best. See you soon,” he added.
Some sections of the public alleged that Aucho was dismissed because of his perceived support for NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi but FUFA president, Eng. Moses Magogo dismissed the allegations as baseless and warned against mixing football with politics .
“We are aware that the team includes officials, staff, players and coaches coming from different divides of life. We are extremely sensitive to religious, tribal, gender and political inclinations of the individuals that compose the team. Each member of the team here is free to belong to any of those inclinations by birth or choice. Team membership is strictly by merit and adherence to the rules of belonging,”Magogo said.
“Administrative and punitive actions will always be taken against members of the national team who fail to observe the rules without fear or favour. There is no amount of intimidation and distortion of facts that can ever make us managers of the team relent from applying the rules as they are.”
In the past, Cranes forward, David Obua was in 2011 dismissed from the camp ahead of the crunch tie against Kenya in the Afcon qualifiers at Namboole whereas goalkeeping coach, Fred Kajoba was dismissed from the camp for breaching COVID-19 rules ahead of the CHAN tournament.
