Echoes of Kumasi: Legend Tom Lwanga Relives the Glory of 1978 on FFI Sports Hour

KAMPALA – It remains the high-water mark of Ugandan football history: the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final. On Saturday, Cranes legend and defensive stalwart Tom Lwanga took listeners on a nostalgic journey back to that golden era during an exclusive appearance on the Former Footballers Initiative (FFI) Sports Hour.

Hosted by FFI Executive member and renowned broadcaster Walusimbi Wooto on Radio Simba 97.3 FM, the show offered a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the squad that shocked the continent and cemented Uganda’s place among African football royalty.

From Rookie to Regular
Lwanga, celebrated today as one of Uganda’s finest defenders, began the interview by reflecting on his humble beginnings. He recounted his early days training with domestic giants like UCB, Prisons, and Police FC.

"The standard of the State Super Division at that time was incredibly high," Lwanga noted, describing the intense competitive atmosphere that honed his skills. He highlighted his rapid ascent, breaking into the national team setup while still under the age of 18—a testament to the depth of talent present in the country during the 1970s.

The Golden Generation
The conversation inevitably turned to the 1978 squad. Lwanga spoke passionately about the team dynamics that defined the 'Cranes.' He analyzed the balance of the squad, noting that while the striking line was lethal, it was built upon a rock-solid defense in which he played a pivotal role.

"We were not just teammates; we understood each other’s movement telepathically," he remarked. Lwanga emphasized that Uganda was highly rated and seeded in the African setting at the time, a fact often forgotten by modern observers.

The Road to Ghana
Listeners were treated to untold stories regarding the preparations for the tournament. Lwanga detailed the rigorous training regimen enforced by the coaching staff, specifically paying tribute to Coach Peter Okee’s technical bench, including the contributions of Coach Tomina and Coach Ventach.

He described the atmosphere in the camp upon landing in Ghana, where the Cranes were pitted against formidable opposition including Morocco and Congo Brazzaville. Lwanga candidly discussed the psychological warfare of the tournament, revealing that the team faced various off-pitch challenges and attempts to "weaken" their resolve—hurdles they overcame through sheer discipline and management support.

Preserving the Legacy
The interview, conducted largely in Luganda, serves as a vital piece of oral history for the FFI Archives.

"It is crucial that we document these stories," host Walusimbi Wooto stated during the broadcast. "Tom Lwanga represents a generation that gave everything for the flag. The FFI is committed to ensuring their legacy is preserved and their welfare is prioritized."

Watch the Full Interview
The full video recording of this historic conversation is available in three parts on the FFI official platforms. Part 1, titled "The Road to Kumasi '78," is now streaming in the Memory Vault on the FFI website and YouTube channel.