The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has unveiled a 47-man provisional squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, set to take place in Qatar from November 3 to 27, 2025.
This marks a landmark moment for Uganda as the country prepares for its first-ever appearance at the global showpiece, an achievement earned through the Cubs’ brilliant campaign at the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
The young side sealed qualification after a dramatic playoff win over Gambia, writing a new chapter in Uganda’s football history.
Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo will lead the team for the last time before Laryea Kingston, the newly appointed Ghanaian tactician, takes over all national youth teams.
Ssenyondo, who has nurtured the Cubs through a remarkable rise, will be aiming to bow out on a high note by guiding the team to a competitive showing in Qatar.
Training starts Wednesday at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba, as preparations ramp up for the challenge ahead.
Uganda has been drawn in Group K alongside France, Chile, and Canada, a tough group that promises exciting football and a real test for the young East Africans.
This edition will be the first of five consecutive U-17 World Cups hosted by Qatar through 2029, further cementing the Gulf nation’s growing football legacy.
The squad features a blend of local and foreign-based talent.
Standout names include Pantaleo Creti (Grasshopper Club Zürich, Switzerland), Ibrahim Amin(Cincinnati FC, USA), Ikhlas Mutebi (FC Augsburg, Germany), and Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Canada).
Locally, powerhouses like Vipers SC, KCCA FC, NEC FC, and Buddo SS are well represented, underscoring Uganda’s growing investment in youth football.
As the Cubs embark on their biggest journey yet, the nation will be watching and cheering them on, hoping they carry Uganda’s spirit proudly onto the world stage.
Provisional Uganda U-17 World Cup Squad (Qatar 2025)
Goalkeepers
Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC), Edris Waibi (Buddo SS)
Defenders
Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Pantaleo Creti (Grasshopper Club Zürich, Switzerland), Rwahim Kato (Buddo SS), Abdul Lukenge Ntege (Maroons FC), Ukashsha Abudshalfe Jemba (KCCA FC/Acorns International School–Kisasi), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC), Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa (NEC FC), Hamuzza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Dickson Barasa (Buddo SS), Ronald Kigoye (Vipers SC), Regan Buduul (BUL FC), Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Canada), Yunus Vubya (Buddo SS), Jim Frank Wasike (Vipers SC)
Midfielders
Ibrahim Amin (Cincinnati FC, USA), Brain Jaira (Club TBC), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC), Fred Junior Muhangi (Express FC), Reagan Okwii (NEC FC), Patrick Serunjogi (KCCA FC), Derrick Malinga (NEC FC), Ibra Ssebagala (Vipers SC), Joseph Langol (Lugazi FC), Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC), Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Marvin Kabitio (Vipers SC), Brian John Owino (Express FC), Thomas Ogemaa (KCCA FC), Etham Adeleke Afuga Adreas Oyedele (Bradfield College FC, UK), Fahad Ismail (KCCA FC), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC), Bashir Umar (Excell Soccer Academy)
Forwards
Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College FC), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Richard Okello (BUL FC), Ramathan Ssali (Kawempe Muslim SS), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive School), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Enock Bagenda (KCCA FC), Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC), Mike Lwanga (Free Agent), Ikhlas Mutebi (FC Augsburg, Germany), Shafic Kaweesi (Lungujja Galaxy FC)
