Teenage siblings Olly and Seb Fisher are pursuing an unconventional path to international football recognition. Rather than representing their native Scotland, the Partick Thistle players are in contention to play for Uganda, a prospect that could make them the first white athletes ever to represent the East African nation.
Their eligibility stems from their mother Kate, who was born in Uganda. According to Olly, 18, his grandparents spent four or five years in the country during his grandfather's time as a schoolteacher there.
"My gran and grandad lived out here for, I think, four or five years. My grandfather came out here to teach in a school then my mum was born here. So, it's a bit of a strange one."
The brothers first learned of Uganda's interest approximately six months prior, following an informal discussion between their father and a football consultant at a match in Nigeria. In early August, both received invitations to attend under-20 and under-17 training camps respectively. They travelled to Jinja in Uganda's eastern region to participate in the camps, with plans to remain for an additional week at the time of reporting.
Seb, 16 and a striker, expressed his astonishment at the opportunity.
"I couldn't believe it. It's one of those things you look at and you're shocked. You can't believe it. Most other people couldn't as well."Goalkeeper Olly described experiencing conflicting emotions upon receiving the call-up.
"A real mixture of emotions. I was quite shocked. I didn't really think that this was a possibility but I was honoured to be asked to represent Uganda. I thought it was a real big opportunity."Their mother Kate has responded with enthusiasm, viewing the experience as valuable for her sons' development.
Making history in African football
Uganda's under-20 coach Laryea Kingston, a former Hearts and Ghana midfielder, has identified the Fisher brothers as potential trailblazers.
"Coach Kingston was saying we'd be the first white boys to play for Uganda, which would be history in the making,"Seb explained.
"It is very special."Olly echoed this sentiment, noting that
"It's never been done before, so definitely it is very special."
The brothers have found themselves welcomed into the Ugandan football environment.
"Everyone has been brilliant, welcoming, really great. The other boys have been brand new with us. Some of the boys actually come from the same area where my mum was born. So, they were all talking about that."Seb said. This personal connection to the nation through their family history has deepened their sense of belonging within the squad.
What happens next for the Fisher brothers
The pair plan to return to Scotland to balance their commitments at Partick Thistle with their education, but intend to rejoin Uganda's national teams in the future. Social media posts from mid-September 2026 indicated the brothers remained engaged with Uganda's football programme following their initial training camps.
Olly is targeting selection for Uganda's under-20 squad should they qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2027. Seb could feature in the under-17 squad for November's World Cup in Qatar.
"That's what you want as a footballer, being in an international environment,"Seb reflected.
"It makes you a better player and hopefully it does for the two of us, and I think it will, and benefit us very much going back to Scotland playing at Thistle."
The Fisher brothers' pursuit of Uganda representation reflects a broader pattern of young Scottish footballers seeking international opportunities. Other Scottish youth players have recently earned rapid international recognition, demonstrating the competitive landscape for emerging talent in the sport.
Key Facts
- Olly Fisher (18, goalkeeper) and Seb Fisher (16, striker) are Partick Thistle players eligible to represent Uganda through their mother's birthplace
- They could become the first white players to represent Uganda's national teams if they earn senior caps
- Uganda's under-20 coach Laryea Kingston, a former Hearts player, identified the brothers as potential history-makers
- Olly aims to compete in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers; Seb targets the November 2026 under-17 World Cup in Qatar
- The brothers' Uganda involvement continued to generate attention on social platforms into September 2026
