Uganda Rugby has dropped a bombshell of team news on a wet Tuesday morning in Kampala.
The Rugby Cranes’ final 28-man squad for the 2025 men’s Rugby Africa Cup has been released.
Byron Oketayot maintains his role as captain, assisted by Frank Kidega and Conrad Wanyama.
The squad is laden with experienced players across the board, including Santos Senteza and Collins Kimbowa among the forwards plus Joseph Aredo and Philip Wokorach in the backs.
Rising talents in Fahad Maido and Blair Ayebazibwe in the engine room plus back liners William Nkore and Isaac Massanganzira will get their taste of capped test rugby.
The unmissable name on the squad is none other than Philip Wokorach who spent the better part of last week turning the India Rugby Premier League into his dance floor.
Uganda’s Final Squad for the 2025 men’s Rugby Africa Cup:
Forwards:
1 Santos Ssenteza, 2 Blair Ayebazibwe, 3 Saul Kivumbi, 4 Collins Kimbowa, 5 Fahad Maido, 6 Nathan Bwambale, 7 Edward Emiemu, 8 Eliphaz Emong, 9 Julius Opio, 10 Sydney Gongodyo, 11 Brian Wandera, 12 Byron Oketayot (captain), 13 Frank Kidega (vice captain), 14 Pius Ogena, 15 Desire Ayera, 16 Alex Aturinda.
Backs: 17 Conrad Wanyama (vice-captain), 18 Aaron Ofoyrwoth, 19 William Nkore, 20 Liam Walker, 21 Isaac Massanganzira, 22 Ian Munyani, 23 Jadwong Joseph Aredo, 24 Shakim Ssembusi, 25 Ivan Otema, 26 Adrian Kasito, 27 Timothy Kisiga, 28 Philip Wokorach.
Uganda Rugby Cranes Management:
Team Managers: Andrew Ikopit Charles, Isaac Kapalaga Kimeze (assistant)
Coaches: Fred Mudoola Alex (head), Marvin Odongo Harold (assistant – forwards),
Leonard Lubambula (assistant – backs), Timothy Mudoola Muwumba (Strength & Conditioning)
Consultant Coaches: Cornelius Marais Johannes, Zane Kirchner
Medical: Noah Kayongo (physiotherapist), Sulaiman Wasukira Bugosera (doctor)
Logistics Manager: Adam Kabalega
This team news has sent tongues wagging about the omissions. Moses Zziwa, Yasin Wasswa and Innocent Gwokto have not made the cut despite having featured prominently with the Rugby Cranes last year.
Uganda will open their Rugby Africa Cup against archrivals Kenya on July 8 at 4 p.m. EAT.
