Nelson Ssenkatuka has been named to the Uganda Cranes senior squad for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria.
The striker, who has previously been overlooked despite his impressive performances, will replace Uchechukwu Ikpeazu Mubiru in the squad.
Ssenkatuka, captain of Soltilo Bright Stars FC, has been a standout performer in the 2023/24 Startimes Uganda Premier League season, scoring 13 goals.
The striker made his debut for Uganda in the 2015 CECAFA Cup in Ethiopia. He went on to make appearances in friendly matches and rarely in the senior squad for major matches.
The announcement was made by FUFA Executive Committee Member Rogers Byamukama during a press conference on Wednesday, 29th May 2024.
Byamukama also revealed that Bevis Mugabi, who plays for Motherwell in Scotland, will be unavailable for the qualifiers, having informed Coach Paul Put of his inability to join the squad. Ikpeazu cited health challenges for his absence.
In response, Ronald Otti from BUL and Ssenkatuka have been called up as replacements.
The squad will begin their camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi on Thursday, May 30, 2024. Locally based players are expected to join the camp on the same day, while foreign-based players, including Halidi Lwaliwa, Timothy Awany, and Isima Watenga, will arrive on Thursday morning.
The first training session is set for Friday, May 31, 2024, at 4:30 PM at Mandela National Stadium. Uganda will face Botswana on June 7, 2024, followed by a match against Algeria on June 10, 2024, both at 7:00 PM at Mandela National Stadium.
Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers
Isima Bid Rashid Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Crispus Kusiima (Kitara FC, Uganda), Braddy Jeans Wokorach (SC Villa, Uganda)
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (FK Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda),Ronald Otti (BUL FC, Uganda), Timothy Denis Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Capradossi Elio (Calcio Lecco FC, Italy), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregainica Stip, North Macedonia)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA),Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt)
Forwards
Steven Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko FC, Ghana),Nelson Ssenkatuka (Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Uganda), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Muhammad Shaban (KCCA FC, Uganda), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Rogers Kassim Mato (Brera Strumica), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
