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Cousins Musa Ssubi and Henry Muhoozi are representing Uganda at
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Every athlete dreams of wearing their national colours, stepping onto the turf, and giving everything for their country. While reaching such heights requires immense patience, discipline, and hard work, unexpected challenges often arise along the journey.
Across the world of sports, siblings have played alongside one another on club and national teams, while others have faced off as opponents. But the story of Uganda Cubs midfielders Musa Ssubi and Henry Muhoozi adds a unique twist to this tradition.
Like France’s Lucas and Theo Hernandez—who battled for the starting left-back spot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup before injury forced Lucas to give way to his younger brother—the Ssubi-Muhoozi battle is a fascinating and heartwarming subplot.
The pair, currently part of the Uganda Cubs squad at the TotalEnergies AFCON U17 CECAFA Qualifiers in Ethiopia, are competing for the same holding midfield role. And this is not new; they have faced the same rivalry at Amus College School, where both feature for the school team.
Ssubi Musa works out during the Uganda Cubs training session
While Ssubi embraces the competition with pride, seeing it as motivation, Muhoozi thinks little about rivalry—his focus is simply on self-improvement and steady progress.
Though often referred to as siblings, the two are actually maternal cousins, born to mothers who are biological sisters. Yet their bond and talent make them nearly indistinguishable as relatives.
Musa Ssubi
In appearance and personality, Ssubi differs markedly from Muhoozi. More outspoken among peers, he contrasts with Muhoozi’s quiet and reserved nature. 
Musa Ssubi
Born on 29 January 2011 to Nuul Nabukenya and a late father in Kalungu (now living in Lukaya), Ssubi did not go through early structured football development. Instead, he learned by watching his older brother Julius Sserunjogi train in Masaka, which sparked his passion.
His football journey began at Lukaya Education Centre, later St. Jude, Lyna Infants, and then Wagwa High School. Supported by his mother, he joined Auerbach Soccer Academy before eventually transferring to Amus College School, where his talent blossomed. 
“It was a blessing to get my first national team call-up,” Ssubi said. “It surprised me, but it encouraged me to continue working hard. I promise to give my best.”
Ssubi credits coach Willis Mbabazi (Katooto) for spotting him at Wagwa and guiding his transfer to Amus.
The third of four children, Ssubi follows Marion Nakalema and Julius Sserunjogi, while the youngest, Judith Muwanguzi, is already following in his footsteps at Wagwa Memorial Primary School.
Inspired by Sergio Busquets and Kenneth Ssemakula, Ssubi dreams of reaching professional football in Europe and supporting his family.
Henry Muhoozi
Soft-spoken and composed, Muhoozi has quickly become one of coach Laryea Kingston’s trusted midfielders during the U17 qualifiers in Ethiopia. 
Born on 12 July 2011 to Faridah Nakanwagi (Ssubi’s aunt) and Vincent Kakooza of Lukaya, Muhoozi is the second of six children. Unlike many young footballers, Muhoozi did not show early passion for the sport. It was at Wagwa Memorial Primary School—where competition was low but fun was plenty—that he first realised his potential. His talent caught the eye of Mark Namanya, who recruited him into Alfa Soccer Academy in Mbarara, where he continued both academics and football development. After completing primary school, he joined Kinoni High School for Senior One.
While in S.1, he unexpectedly earned a place on the school team during the USSSA Rwampara District Championship, where he was spotted by Willis Mbabazi, just like Ssubi.
Muhoozi praises his parents for supporting him without pressure.
Muhoozi attacks at Burundi goal
“I owe them a lot. I haven’t reached where I want to be yet, but I will work hard to get there,” he said.
Though he has no official nickname, teammates in Dire Dawa have dubbed him “Ng’olo Kanté” for his calm but relentless midfield presence—likened to the French star’s intelligent and energetic style.
He looks up to Kevin De Bruyne, Allan Okello, and dreams of playing in Europe’s top leagues. For now, he remains focused on discipline, hard work, and steady growth.
Torch Media Africa
