With only weeks left, the Uganda U-17 men’s national football team, the Uganda Cubs, has intensified preparations ahead of the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers for the CECAFA Zone Championship.
Scheduled to take place in Rwanda from October 10th to 19th, 2026, a provisional squad of 39 players has been in a residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, undergoing intensive training sessions for the regional tournament.
The team, under head coach Laryea Kingston and assistant coach Steven Bengo, comprises six goalkeepers, 15 defenders, nine midfielders, and nine forwards. The final squad representing Uganda at the championship will be named following this assessment period.
Uganda has enjoyed consistent success in the CECAFA U-17 Championship, winning consecutive titles before finishing second to Tanzania in the last edition.
The Cubs’ performances at the regional tournament have previously secured their qualification for both the continental championship and the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Uganda Cubs Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Godfrey Mubiru (Amus College), David Dean Ssegirinya (Rays of Grace), Reagan Kirwana (Isra Soccer Academy), Rodrick Collins Obbo (KCCA JT), Joel Ssenteza (Rays of Grace), Abdul Basit Sibwomu (BUL JT).
Defenders: Bruno Sserunkuma (Prosper Soccer Academy), Abudallah Wandera (Rays of Grace), Parcel Martin Kayiwa (URA JT), Paul Oyirwoth (Maroons Soccer Academy), Trevor Ndawula (Prosper Soccer Academy), Ashraf Kyeswa (Kampala Junior Team), Shaldon Ssevume (Sparta 09), Samuku Mutawakali (Rays of Grace), Simon Otyan (STAHIZA – Ndejje Campus), Denis Male (STAHIZA – Ndejje Campus), John Kisembo (St. Kagwa H/S Bushenyi), Edrine Kiddu (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Eze Kombi (Amus College), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Ukasha Jemba (KCCA JT).
Midfielders: Yusuf Ssenyonga (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Ivan Wakooli (STAHIZA – Ndejje Campus), Owen Mukisa (St. Mary’s Kitende), Najib Kivumbi (Excel Soccer Academy), Brian Debo (St. Kagwa H/S Bushenyi), Jeremiah Bwire (Jinja SS), Charles Ochen (Maroons Soccer Academy).
Forwards: Arafat Ibanda (Ebenezer Soccer Academy), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Hussein Lutwama (STAHIZA – Ndejje Campus), Yokoshani Gagyo (Ebenezer Soccer Academy), Derrick Mwekambi (St. Kagwa H/S Bushenyi), Amos Molu (Rays of Grace), Sebastian Quinn Fisher (Partick Thistle FC), Richard Harold Egwangu (Buckswood School Football Academy), Junior Ofoyrwoth (El Cambio Soccer Academy).
