There is something special about football. Sometimes, a player's journey takes him far from home, only for his roots to lead him back to where it all began.
For Arnold Vula, that journey could be taking a new turn.
The Beerschot VA centre-forward has been named among the Uganda Cranes contingent ahead of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, scheduled for Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at Hoima Stadium.
Arnold Vula Uganda cranes forward (Photo credit:Fufa media)
Born to Congolese parents, Vula's connection to Uganda runs through his paternal grandmother, who is an Alur from Pakwach, giving the Belgian-based forward a heritage link to the West Nile region.
His inclusion is part of FUFA's ongoing efforts to strengthen the national team through its three-fold approach, focusing on heritage players, domestic club competitions and structured academies.
Vula is among the 20 players identified through FUFA's scouting programme, an initiative aimed at strengthening the Cranes in both the short and long term.
According to the information provided, the forward is eligible to represent Uganda under the relevant FIFA statutes and national laws.
At club level, Vula has been building his reputation through his performances in France and Belgium.
His previous spells at Racing Club de France and Orléans offered him valuable experience, with the forward recording 11 goal contributions in 27 appearances for Racing Club de France and five in 10 appearances for Orléans.
Arnold Vula celebrating his goal against Duisburg of Germany in a friendly match ( Courtesy photo)
He currently turns out for Beerschot VA in Belgium's second division, where he has registered 14 goals in 36 appearances.
Those numbers offer a glimpse of a striker who has been finding the back of the net and could provide Uganda with another attacking option as the Cranes prepare for their upcoming assignments.
His story is a reminder of how football can bring together people whose roots stretch across borders, with heritage creating a bridge between a player and the country he is eligible to represent.
Vula has joined the rest of the Uganda Cranes contingent at Marriott Hotel in Kampala ahead of the team's trip to Hoima City.
The Cranes are preparing for the crucial AFCON qualifier against Libya, alongside an international friendly against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
9 of the 20 new faces in the Uganda Cranes team ( Courtesy Photo)
As Uganda looks to strengthen its squad with new talent, attention will be on whether Vula gets the opportunity to make his mark in the national colours.
For now, the Belgian-based forward's inclusion is another chapter in a journey that began far from Uganda but has found a connection through his Alur roots.
And for Pakwach, there is a new reason to follow the Cranes closely.
