Ahead of Uganda’s crucial double header fixtures against South Sudan, Cranes coach Paul Put has today 1 October 2024 unveiled a 27-man squad featuring four changes from the previous squad.
The team will face South Sudan on October 11th at Namboole Stadium and on October 15th in Juba.
One of the notable additions to the squad is young star Shafik Kwikiriza of KCCA FC, who has earned his first national team call-up after an impressive debut season in the top flight. Other returning players include Tadeo Lwanga, Nicholas Mwere, Gavin Kizito, and Derrick Nsibambi.
The inclusion of these players has resulted in the omission of Elvis Bwomono, James Begisa, Joseph Ochaya, Muhammad Shaban, and Joachim Ojera. Additionally, the number of home-based players has increased from seven to ten, with four of the new additions playing in the Uganda Premier League.
After announcing the squad, Put authored his appreciation to the national team fans. “We are proud of the continuous support we receive from the fans,” Put said. “Your encouragement is invaluable in motivating our players on the pitch.”
Regarding the changes in the squad, Put explained, “We are still in the process of building this team, and we want to give opportunities to new players while also evaluating the performance of existing ones.”
Uganda currently leads Group K with four points, ahead of South Africa, Congo Brazzaville, and South Sudan. In their previous matches, Uganda drew 2-2 against South Africa away and won 2-0 at home against Congo.
Uganda Cranes Full Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa)
- Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
- Charles Lukwago (Venda FC, South Africa)
Defenders:
- Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda)
- Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia)
- Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic)
- Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda)
- Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)
- Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece)
- Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel)
- Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia)
- Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)
Midfielders:
- Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania)
- Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA)
- Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda)
- Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda)
- Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
- Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France)
- Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Forwards:
- Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda)
- Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda)
- Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda)
- Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica)
- Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA FC, Uganda)
- Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania)
- Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden)
Courtesy Photos
