At 17, James Bogere is already standing where many Ugandan footballers only dream of reaching.
Thrust onto Africa’s biggest stage, the teenage striker has taken it all in with quiet confidence, joy and a maturity beyond his years.
Bogere is the youngest player to feature for Uganda at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
He has come off the bench in both Group C matches against Tunisia and Tanzania, and even in short bursts, the experience has left a lasting impression.
“It’s a great opportunity for me,” Bogere said. “This tournament has a lot of good players who are playing in the Premier League. Just being here makes me happy.”
His rise has been rapid. Only months ago, Bogere was leading the Uganda Cubs, helping the U17 side win CECAFA, qualify for the U17 AFCON and book a place at the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Those performances earned him a senior call-up and, soon after, a spot in Uganda’s AFCON squad.
Now on the books of Denmark’s AGF Aarhus after coming through El Cambio Academy, Bogere wears number 24 for the Cranes.
He announced himself in the 1-1 draw with Tanzania on December 27, winning a crucial penalty after coming on late, a fearless moment on a demanding stage.
Despite the spotlight, Bogere stays grounded.
“It is the mercy of God,” he said. “And the people behind me who keep pushing me to be a better player. I’m grateful, and I just keep going.”
He is the second youngest player at the tournament, behind Zimbabwe’s 16-year-old Tadiwa Chakuchichi, but age is not what defines him. Purpose is.
“If you know what you want, you stay humble,” Bogere said. “I know I still have a big job to do in the future.”
From youth football to a World Cup appearance and now AFCON, the year has reshaped his career and his mindset.
“It has made me a better player,” he said. “I’m happy and focused on moving forward.”
Even the pressure of AFCON seems to energize him.
“Playing against good teams is amazing,” Bogere added. “Against Tanzania, it was a derby. Being part of games like that is special.”
Bogere could get another chance to build his story when Uganda face Nigeria in their final Group C match, another step in a journey that is only just beginning.
