The Uganda Cranes are set to play two international friendly matches in June, against Cameroon and The Gambia, but will do so without several of their key players due to injuries.
National team captain Khalid Aucho headlines the list of absentees.
Aucho, who missed the recent World Cup qualifier against Guinea, has been struggling for fitness at Tanzanian giants Young Africans, and his recovery has not progressed in time for these friendlies.
He is joined on the sidelines by midfield partner Ronald Ssekiganda, defenders Bevis Mugabi and Aziz Kayondo, and striker Muhammad Saban, all of whom are nursing various injuries.
In response, head coach Paul Joseph Put has opted to refresh the squad, calling up new faces including Jordan John Obita, a 31-year-old defender from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC, who is of Ugandan descent.
This will be Obita’s first appearance with the national team.
The midfield has also been bolstered by in-form players such as Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers) and Enock Ssebagala (NEC), who have both enjoyed strong domestic campaigns.
Exciting young talents Allan Oyirwoth and Bobosi Byaruhanga return to the fold, while up front, John Paul Dembe and Ivan Ahimbisibwe, who scored an impressive 15 goals in the Uganda Premier League, have been rewarded with call-ups.
Uganda will first face Cameroon on June 6 before taking on The Gambia on June 9, with both fixtures scheduled to be played in Morocco.
