Joshua Letti Lubwama is building his own identity in Ugandan football, but behind the name Letti is a story of admiration for one of West Nile's respected football figures, Mike Letti.
The URA FC defender, popularly known as the "Tallest Muganda", was among the contributors as Uganda's national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, secured qualification for the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Uganda defeated Burundi 9–6 in the return leg at Bunjako Beach on October 18, 2026, completing a 13–10 aggregate victory after the two sides had drawn 4–4 in the first leg in Bujumbura.
Lubwama scored twice in the return leg, playing his part in Uganda's successful qualification campaign.
Other Ugandan scorers were Baker Lukooya and Edweru Godfrey, who each scored twice, while Kigozi Ambrose, Brian Nkuubi and Lule added a goal apiece.
Joshua Letti Lubwama in the starting line up of Sand cranes against Burundi at Bunjako Beach .(Photo Credit: Courtesy)
Beyond his contribution on the sand, Lubwama carries a name that connects him to a football personality he admires.
Mike Letti, a former Uganda Cranes international who played as a striker, is remembered as a notable figure in West Nile and Ugandan football. His contribution extended beyond his playing career into football administration and scouting.
Joshua adopted the name Letti out of admiration for the former international, reflecting the influence that established football personalities can have on younger generations.
Although they have different football journeys, the name represents a connection to a figure whose contribution to the game left an impression on him.
Away from the football pitch, Lubwama has another side to his identity.
He is a mental health advocate and works with the iCCARe Foundation, contributing to conversations and initiatives around mental health and wellbeing.
His involvement reflects the growing importance of using sport as a platform to address issues beyond competition, particularly the wellbeing of athletes and communities.
His Weekly X space to empower youth through basketball and mental health and Mentorship. (Photo Credit: Courtesy)
For a footballer whose identity is closely associated with his physical presence through the nickname "Tallest Muganda", his advocacy work adds another dimension to his personality.
Uganda's qualification for Senegal 2026 marks the Sand Cranes' third appearance at the Beach Soccer AFCON finals, following their participation in 2021 and 2022.
As the team prepares for another continental challenge, Lubwama will be among the players hoping to make an impact.
Joshua Letti Lubwama is writing his own football story with the Sand Cranes.(Photo Credit: Courtesy)
His two goals against Burundi have added another achievement to his football journey. Yet his story extends beyond the goals, from representing URA FC to beach soccer, advocating for mental health and carrying a name inspired by a West Nile football figure.
Joshua Letti Lubwama is not simply carrying an adopted name; he is building his own identity while acknowledging the football legacy that inspired it.
