As Uganda Cranes struggled with lack of experience in the last international window, there was concern about the absence of midfielder Taddeo Lwanga and defender Joseph Ochaya.
Despite playing consistently for APR in Rwanda and Arab Contractors in Egypt, respectively Lwanga and Ochaya were not summoned by head coach Paul Joseph Put for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria in June at Namboole.
Captain Khalid Aucho’s injury yet he was in the squad but didn’t play in the 1-0 win over Botswana and 2-1 loss to Algeria further proved a case for the above duo.
Another international window is upon us and Ochaya has been remembered whereas Lwanga remains a no show for the Belgian tactician.
“Effort will never be questioned,” Lwanga posted on his X handle moments after the national team squad was announced.
The 30-year-old was part of the APR squad that reached the final of the CECAFA Kagame Club Championship in Tanzania in July but lost on penalties to guests Red Arrows from Zambia.
He was also integral to the Rwandan Premier League champions side that is through to the second round of the CAF Champions League preliminaries at the expense of Tanzanian side Azam.
On the other hand, Ochaya also didn’t drop the mantle playing game in game out for Arab Contractors despite their relegation from the Egyptian Premier League.
His compatriot and teammate Joackiam Ojera also had a good spell in the latter stages of the season and has been rewarded with a national team call up.
Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago is the other player making his return whilst Aucho is now injury free and ready to lead the Cranes.
They’ll kickstart their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next week on September 6th on the road against South Africa before returning home to host Congo Brazzaville on September 9th.
