Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has added a touch of excitement to his provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by handing teenage forward James Bogere his first senior national call-up.
Just weeks after shining at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, where he scored against France and Canada, the youngster is now stepping into the senior setup.
His quick rise from junior football to AFCON consideration brings a fresh storyline to Uganda’s preparations.
Put’s 30-man list mainly features players who took part in recent AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, as well as the 2024 CHAN tournament.
Still, Bogere’s inclusion stands out after his impressive form with the Uganda Cubs. He now fights for one of the 28 final spots.
There is also another opportunity for Alhassan Baba, who made his senior debut in friendlies against Morocco and Chad, while Melvyn Lorenzen returns to the squad after featuring in recent friendly matches, his first involvement with the team since his debut in 2016 against Zimbabwe.
Like Bogere, they will try to convince the coaches they deserve a place at the tournament.
The Cranes travel to Morocco on Sunday for an 11 day camp in Casablanca, including two international friendlies.
Uganda Cranes Provisional Squad
GOALKEEPERS
1. Magoola Salim Omar – Richards Bay FC – S. Africa
2. Onyango Denis – Mamelodi Sundowns FC – S. Africa
3. Alionzi Nafian – Defense Forces FC – Ethiopia
4. Lukwago Charles – KCCA FC – Uganda
DEFENDERS
5. Sibbick Toby – Burton Albion FC – England
6. Caprodossi Elio – FC Universitatea Cluj – Romania
7. Obita Jordan – Hibernian FC – Scotland
8. Torach Rogers – Vipers SC – Uganda
9. Kayondo Abdu Azizi – FC Slovan Liberec – Czech Rep.
10. Muleme Isaac – Viktoria Zizkov – Czech Rep.
11. Awany Timothy – FC Ashdod – Israel
12. Owori David – SC Villa – Uganda
13. Mukundane Hilary – Vipers SC – Uganda
MIDFIELDERS
14. Semakula Kenneth – Al-Adalah FC – Saudi Arabia
15. Aucho Khalid – Singida Black Stars SC – Tanzania
16. Ssekiagndra Ronald – APR FC – Rwanda
17. Byaruhanga Bobosi – Oakland Roots SC – USA
18. Alhassan Baba – FCSB – Romania
FORWARDS
19. Okello Allan – Vipers SC – Uganda
20. Melvyn Lorenzen – Muangthong United FC – Thailand
21. Mutyaba Travis – CS Sfaxien – Tunisia
22. Omedi Denis – APR FC – Rwanda
23. Mato Rogers – FK Vardar – N. Macedonia
24. Mpande Reagan – SC Villa – Uganda
25. Ssemugabi Jude – Jamus FC – S. Sudan
26. Ikpeazu Uchechukwu – St. Johnstone FC – Scotland
27. Mukwala Steven – Simba SC – Tanzania
28. Bogere James – Masaka Sunshine FC – Uganda
29. Ahimbisibwe Ivan – KCCA FC – Uganda
30. Kwikiriza Shafik Nana – KCCA FC – Uganda
Head coach: Paul Put
Coach Put will name his final squad before the tournament starts on 21 December and ends on 18 January 2026.
Uganda is drawn in Group C with Nigeria, Tunisia, and regional rivals Tanzania, making it a challenging path from the very start.
