Uganda's national team coach, Paul Put, has officially named a strong 30-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The announcement sets the stage for the Cranes' preparations as they gear up for the tournament which kicks off on December 21.
Uganda's Preliminary Squad Details
The Belgian tactician's list features a mix of experience and emerging talent. Nine players from the Ugandan domestic league have earned call-ups, alongside two professionals based in South Africa. One of the most eye-catching inclusions is teenage striker James Bogere, whose impressive performances at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored against France and Canada, have been rewarded.
In a significant move, Put has convinced veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango to come out of international retirement. The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper, a veteran of the 2017 and 2019 AFCON tournaments, brings immense experience to the squad. The attack will be led by St Johnstone forward Uche Ikpeazu and CS Sfaxien's Travis Mutyaba.
Uganda's AFCON Journey and Fixtures
The Ugandan team is scheduled to depart for Casablanca on Sunday, December 7, where they will play two preparatory friendly matches. They have been drawn in a challenging Group C alongside Nigeria's Super Eagles, Tunisia, and Tanzania. Uganda will begin their campaign against Tunisia on December 23, 2025.
Historically, Uganda has qualified for the AFCON finals only eight times. Their best performance was a runners-up finish in 1978. Their most recent appearance was in Egypt 2019, where they topped their qualification group with 13 points.
Confident Cranes Unfazed by Super Eagles
In a bold statement, the Uganda Football Federation (FUFA) has declared that the team is not intimidated by the prospect of facing the star-studded Nigerian side. According to reports, FUFA stated that while they will respect all opponents, they are confident of giving a good account of themselves at the continental showpiece.
This sets up an intriguing group-stage clash, as Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, has also named an extensive 54-man preliminary squad, which will be trimmed to a final list ahead of the CAF deadline on December 11.
Uganda's Full 30-Man Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Nafian Alionzi (Defense Forces FC), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC).
Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion FC), Elio Caprodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj), Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Abdu Azizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec), Isaac Mulembe (Viktoria Zizkov), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod), David Owori (SC Villa), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC).
Midfielders: Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah FC), Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars SC), Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC), Baba Alhassan (FCSB).
Forwards: Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong United FC), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), Denis Omedi (APR FC), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone FC), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC).
