By REUBEN OLITA
April 8, 2026| When DR Congo sealed a dramatic return to the FIFA World Cup after half a century in the wilderness, it did more than book a ticket to North America—it threw down a challenge to the rest of East Africa.
The Central African nation edged Jamaica 1-0 in extra time, with Axel Tuanzebe striking in the 100th minute to secure their first appearance at the global showpiece since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. Their qualification, which lifts Africa’s representation to ten teams, has jolted long-standing underachievers like Kenya and Uganda into action.
For two nations that have never qualified for the World Cup since the tournament’s inception in 1930, DR Congo’s feat now stands as both inspiration and indictment.
The tournament, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will see DR Congo compete in Group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia, with matches kicking off on June 17.
Leaders from Kenya and Uganda are now rallying behind a joint push aimed at ending decades of disappointment. Speaking during the 6th edition of the Busia Cross-Border Run at Busia Vocational Training Centre, Busia Municipality MP Macho Geoffrey (Uganda) and Busia gubernatorial aspirant Arthur Amug Osiya called for a fundamental shift in mindset.
“It is time we stop being the weeping boys of African football and rise to become world beaters,” they said.
The leaders revealed that structured collaboration between the two countries is already taking shape, focusing on talent development, joint training programmes, and increased competitive exposure.
Macho pointed to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will co-host, as a critical springboard.
“We have rolled out partnership programmes through FUFA to allow Uganda Cranes to train in Kenya ahead of AFCON. If either Uganda or Kenya lifts the trophy, it will send a strong signal of our intent to conquer the world,” he said.
Despite decades of participation, the AFCON title has remained elusive for both nations since the tournament began in 1957. In contrast, DR Congo has lifted the continental crown twice (1968 and 1974), while traditional powerhouses such as Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria have dominated the competition.
Macho also highlighted growing sports synergy between the two neighbours, citing Uganda’s high-altitude training camp in Kapchorwa on the slopes of Mt Elgon, which continues to attract Kenyan athletes.
“Kenya remains a global powerhouse in athletics, but Uganda has also produced athletes who are increasingly competitive, especially in long-distance races,” he noted.
Osiya, who also serves as a Presidential Advisor, urged Kenya to revive its football development structures, particularly at the grassroots level.
“We must return to the days of strong Olympic and youth training centres that produced top football talent. The spirit behind events like the Busia Cross-Border Run should be extended to football development,” he said.
He stressed that investing in young talent remains the surest path to building competitive national teams capable of excelling both regionally and on the global stage.