Uganda Cranes have been dealt a major blow ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after dynamic midfielder Ronald Ssekiganda left camp to finalize his eagerly anticipated move to Rwandan giants APR FC, as initially reported by Pitchside, and verified by NBS Sport.
Ssekiganda, who captained 17-time Uganda Premier League holders SC Villa, departs as one of the most consistent and influential players in the local league.
His leadership, vision, and ball-winning abilities had made him a key figure in the Cranes’ plans for the CHAN tournament, which exclusively features home-based players.
The 24-year-old is set to join APR FC on a two-year deal as a free agent after his contract with Villa expired. His move follows a growing trend of Ugandan talents crossing borders for better financial packages and continental exposure, especially with APR competing in the CAF Champions League next season.
Subsequently, NEC FC combative midfielder Shamiru Kimwero has taken up his spot. The latter made 14 Uganda Premier League appearances last season, as The Diehards finished second on the log.
Meanwhile, the tournament, slated for Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, is set to kickstart on August 2nd-30th. Uganda will open their campaign on August 4th against Algeria at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda Cranes Provisional Squad for CHAN 2024
Goalkeepers:
Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC)
Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Mutwalibu Mugolofa (KCCA FC)
Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC)
Defenders:
Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC)
Lazaro Bwambale (Kitara FC)
James Begisa (URA FC)
David Owori (SC Villa)
Herbert Achayi (Express FC)
Gideon Odongo (NEC FC)
Enock Walusimbi (URA FC)
Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
Jacob Okao (NEC FC)
Ronald Otti (Kitara FC)
Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
Midfielders:
Marvin Youngman (Vipers SC)
Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC)
Elvis Ngondwe (SC Villa)
Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
Shamiru Kimwero (NEC FC)
Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)
Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC)
Jerome Kirya (BUL FC)
Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
Aslam Ssemakula (SC Villa)
Forwards:
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC)
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
Kiza Arafat (KCCA FC)
Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)
Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC)
Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)
Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC)
Baden Ogama (Maroons FC)
James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC)
Patrick Kakande (SC Villa)
Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC).
