Thousands of fans lined the streets of Gulu as Uganda Hippos made a grand entrance ahead of the 2019 CECAFA U20 championship that starts on Saturday.

Uganda will play Eritrea on Saturday before facing other group A opponents Djibouti (September 23) and Sudan (September 25) at Pece War Memorial Stadium in Gulu.

Other groups – B and C – will be played at FUFA Technical centre in Njeru.

Related – Remembering The 2010 Uganda Hippos Team That Won CECAFA

The hot reception received by the Hippos will not only act as a relief to the boys who endured a 382KM journey from Jinja but will also be a source of motivation as Uganda seek to defend the title that was last held in 2010.

Gulu is one of Uganda’s football mad district and the Northern region has been football thirsty. The tourney was moved to the area after recent numbers evidenced during the FUFA Drum matches held in the area.

Coach Jackson Magera’s boys will be housed at the Friendship Global Hotel.

Also read – Here Is Uganda Hippos Final Squad For CECAFA U20

Related – Why Rwanda Is Not Coming To Uganda For CECAFA U20

Enjoy the photos – FUFA Media