The Uganda Cranes squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been reduced to 28 players as the team begins residential training today, January 13, at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi.
The final squad of 26 players will be confirmed before the tournament kicks off on February 1, 2025.
Head coach Paul Put made the latest adjustments after three days of non-residential training, which began at Luzira Prisons Grounds on Friday and later shifted to the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
Among the dropped players are Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who was added to the squad on Friday evening, Moses Aliro, Walter Ochora, Ibrahim Thembo, Brian Ijara, and Isma Magala.
Hakim Kiwanuka and Denis Omedi are ruled ineligible following their recent transfers to Rwanda’s APR, as CHAN regulations limit participation to players competing in their domestic leagues.
Injuries have further sidelined Milton Karisa (Vipers) and Sadat Anaku (KCCA), forcing the Cranes to make critical adjustments.
Notably, late call-up Usama Arafat, who was added to the squad on Thursday, has maintained his spot on the team.
The Cranes will fine-tune their preparations with about three international friendlies before the competition, which will be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania from February 1-28.
Uganda, who are making their sixth CHAN appearance, will be aiming to advance beyond the group stages for the first time.
Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders:
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Midfielders:
Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isma Mugisha (SC Villa)
Forwards:
Arafat Usama (KCCA FC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)
