Legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango has made a sensational return to the Uganda Cranes as head coach Paul Put named a 28-man squad for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Previously Onyango had announced his retirement in April 2021 but his return puts a smile on many Uganda Cranes fans faces.
Uganda faces Mozambique on September 5 and Somalia on September 8 in two decisive fixtures that could define their qualification campaign.
At 39, the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper headlines a balanced squad blending experience with youth.
After years away from international duty, Onyango’s return is seen as a massive boost, with fans hoping his leadership and composure can inspire Uganda’s push for a historic first-ever World Cup appearance.
Onyango leads a solid goalkeeping department alongside Salim Magoola (Richards Bay, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia), and Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC). His comeback restores experience and confidence between the posts.
Uganda’s backline features several overseas-based stars:
• Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany)
• Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania)
• Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England)
• Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland)
• Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland)
They are joined by local defenders Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane, Herbert Achayi, and Gavin Kizito, providing stability and depth.
The midfield combines control, flair, and flexibility. Ronald Ssekingada (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), and Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia) bring technical quality, while Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC) and Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC) add balance and composure.
Put has assembled a diverse attacking unit with CHAN displays on the back of his head
• Allan Okello (Vipers SC) returns to the squad.
• Reagan Mpande and Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa) inject youthful energy.
• Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC) offers sharp finishing.
• Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), and Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia) add versatility.
• Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland) provides physical presence and aerial strength.
Uganda sits fourth in Group G with 9 points, trailing Algeria (15) and Mozambique (12), level with Botswana (9), and ahead of Guinea and Somalia.
With just four matches left, the upcoming games at Mandela National Stadium could make or break the Cranes’ qualification hopes:
• September 5 — Uganda vs Mozambique (7:00 PM)
• September 5 — Somalia vs Guinea (3:00 PM)
• September 8 — Uganda vs Somalia (7:00 PM)
With preparations underway in Kampala, all eyes now turn to the clash with Mozambique, knowing that six points from the next two games could reignite Uganda’s World Cup dream.
