The Uganda U17 Men’s National Team, the Cubs, have safely arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for their final phase of preparations ahead of the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025, which runs from November 3 to 27.
The 38-man delegation, led by FUFA Executive Committee Member Rasoul Ariga, touched down in Dubai on Tuesday evening and will spend the next ten days in an intensive international training camp. The group includes 26 players and 12 officials.
This final camp marks a crucial stage in Uganda’s historic journey to their maiden appearance at the global showpiece.
The team will conduct a series of high-intensity training sessions and play several friendly matches against top youth sides, with fixtures to be confirmed soon.
Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo said the focus in Dubai will be on sharpening tactics, boosting fitness levels, and building mental strength ahead of the team’s World Cup debut.
“This camp is a great opportunity for the boys to test themselves against different styles and improve their confidence. We’re in the final stretch, and the group is determined to represent Uganda with pride,” he noted.
Before leaving for Dubai, the Cubs wrapped up their domestic camp at FUFA Stadium Kadiba with a 5–0 win over Amus College School.
James Bogere netted a hat-trick, while Abubakali Walusimbi and Kamurungi Nuwagaba were also on target.
The Cubs have been in residential camp at FUFA Hotel Kisaasi since October 7. The final squad of 21 players will be named after the Dubai camp before the team proceeds to Qatar.
Uganda has been drawn in Group K alongside Canada, Chile, and France. The Cubs will open their World Cup campaign against Canada on November 5.
Officials:
Leader of Delegation – Ariga Rasoul Ibrahim
Head Coach – Brian Ssenyondo
FUFA Football Development Director/Team Manager – Mutyaba Bashir
Assistant Coach – Ssali Ronald
Fitness Coach – Massa Simoen
Goalkeeping Coach – Magada Kenneth
Team Doctors – Gumisiriza Michael Kamu & Kulika Ivan
Physical Trainer – Kizito Dennis
Equipment Manager – Ddamba Noah Veron
Team Media Officer – Kivumbi Joel Cornerious
FUFA TV Production – Kakairi Emmanuel Julius
Players:
Goalkeepers – Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC), Edris Waibi (Buddo SS)
Defenders – Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC), Abdul Lukenge Ntege (Maroons FC), Hamuzza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa (NEC FC), Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Midfielders – Brian Jjara (KCCA FC), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC), Fred Junior Muhangi (Express FC), Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Marvin Kabiito (Vipers SC), Brian John Owino (Express FC), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC), Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC)
Forwards – Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Richard Okello (BUL FC), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive School), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Enock Bagenda (KCCA FC), Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC)
