Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has announced a 28-man provisional squad to face South Africa and Congo Brazzaville, as the national team embarks on its quest to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Uganda, drawn in Group K, will kick off their campaign against South Africa on September 6 in Johannesburg, followed by a home fixture against Congo on September 9 at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The squad announcement, made during a press conference at the FUFA Complex in Mengo on Tuesday, includes a blend of experienced players, returnees and new faces.
Among the notable inclusions is Calvin Kabuye, a former Sweden U23 player, who makes his mark for Uganda after featuring for Sweden in a friendly against Denmark last year.
Italian-based centre-back Elio Capradossi, who impressed during the recent World Cup qualifiers, has also been called up again.
Capradossi recently parted ways with Serie C side Lecco and will be looking to anchor the Cranes’ defence.
Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago makes a return to the national team after missing the previous World Cup qualifiers due to club commitments.
Lukwago, who recently signed with South Africa’s Venda FC, will be looking to make an impact as the Cranes battle it out in a tough group.
However, as revealed by Coach Paul Put, the team will be without key players Allan Kyambadde, Herbert Bokone, Mubiru Uche, Moses Opondo, and Herbert Ssewankambo due to injuries.
Additionally, defenders Halid Lwaliwa and Kenneth Ssemakula have been included in the squad, but will miss the South Africa clash due to visa delays.
They are, however, expected to be available for the Congo game.
The Cranes will depart for South Africa on August 31, where they will hold a training camp before playing South Africa, and return to Uganda on September 7 to prepare for the home fixture against Congo, set for September 9.
The team will be targeting a top-two finish in their group to secure a spot in the final tournament scheduled to take place in Morocco between December 21, 2025 and January 18, 2026.
Uganda Cranes provisional squad:
Goalkeepers:
Isima Watenga
Nafian Alionzi
Charles Lukwago.
Defenders:
Elvis Bwomono
James Begisa
Isaac Muleme
Joseph Ochaya
Abdu Aziizi Kayondo
Bevis Mugabi
Elio Capradossi
Halid Lwaliwa
Arnold Odongo
Timothy Awany
Kenneth Ssemakula
Midfielders:
Khalid Aucho
Bobosi Byaruhanga
Joel Sserunjogi
Ronald Ssekiganda
Travis Mutyaba
Saidi Mayanja
Forwards:
Denis Omedi
Jude Ssemugabi
Joackiam Ojera
Rogers Mato
Muhammad Shaban
Steven Mukwala
Calvin Kabuye
Allan Okello
