Our Mission and Vision
Uganda BC Cranes Soccer Association (BC Cranes) is a registered community nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a love for sports among the Ugandan Community and friends of Uganda in British Columbia and beyond. We believe in the power of sports to unite communities and promote personal development, cultural identity, community engagement, physical fitness, mental strength, teamwork, and discipline.
Through our various programs, we aim to provide opportunities for young and aspiring athletes to develop their skills and pursue their dreams. Our organization thrives on community support, and we invite everyone to join us in making a positive impact through sports.
Our Rich History
Uganda BC Cranes’ history dates back to the early 1990s when TEAM UGANDA as it was called back then participated in various local soccer tournaments in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia under the leadership of coach Mahmoud Adebo (Coach Adebo), Christine Erikson, and Ocheng Lubayi. The team was primarily sponsored by a Ugandan community business family Michael and Birgit Okoth, commonly known as ABANTU as a result of their business ABANTU BEAUTY PRODUCTS.
TEAM UGANDA is one of the founding members of the African Sports and Cultural Alliance (ASCA) that was founded in 1994. ASCA hosts the Prestigeous annual “Premier African Soccer Tournament” in Burnaby, BC.
In 2002, coach Adebo introduced Justus Mirembe to TEAM UGANDA as a player and in 2008, coach Adebo decided to pass the torch onto Justus to continue the legacy of the team. TEAM UGANDA was rebranded to UGANDA BC CRANES (BC Cranes) and continues to participate in various soccer tournaments in British Columbia and Alberta winning the African Soccer Tournament Championships in Edmonton in 2011, Vancouver in 2016, 2019, and 2023.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!
TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS!
BC Cranes will be competing in the Squamish Soccer Fest traditionally held mid-April, Soccerfest — Squamish Soccer Association as well as the Ultra Soccer League which runs beginning of May to first week of August Ultra Soccer League and wrapping up the season with the ultimate African Soccer Tournament that is traditionally held every third weekend in August annually. BC Cranes’ soccer practices are held in Burnaby and New Westminster during Spring and Summer. Check out the Program Page for more details.
2025 BC CRANES TEAM SQUAD
2026 BC CRANES TEAM SQUAD
BC Cranes relies on community support to continue hosting and participating in community sports activities. Special shoutout to the continuing support of Micheal ABANTU for standing shoulder to shoulder with BC Cranes for over three decades! We welcome new sponsors and well-wishers! Please visit our CONTACT US page if you wish to donate and learn how you can be a part of the support system to the team.