The Uganda national rugby team, the Rugby Cranes, will embark on a crucial Southern Africa tour today, June 11, as preparations intensify ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup.
The month-long expedition will feature three competitive friendly matches and two high-performance training camps designed to fine-tune the squad for continental glory.
The 38-man squad, which includes a blend of seasoned internationals and rising stars, departed Kampala for Windhoek, where they will kick off their tour with a test match against Namibia on June 14.
This match will be the first of three key fixtures intended to simulate high-pressure match conditions similar to what the team will face in the Africa Cup.
Following the Namibia test, the Cranes will head to Nylstroom, South Africa, for a five-day high-intensity training camp from June 16 to 19. The team will then square off against the Limpopo Blue Bulls on June 21 before transitioning to a second training camp in Nelspruit from June 23 to 26.
The final leg of the tour sees the Cranes take on the Pumas on June 27 in what is expected to be a physically demanding encounter.
Head Coach Fred Alex Mudoola will lead a robust technical bench including Leonard Lubambula, Zane Kirchner, and Marvin Harold Odong.
Former Springbok Zane Kirchner, now part of the coaching unit, is expected to inject international experience and tactical nuance into the squad.
The squad features powerhouse forwards such as Santos Ssentenza, Julius Opio and Michael Steve Masendi Otto, alongside dynamic backs including Joseph Aredo Jadwong, Justin Kimono Simwende, and rising talent Liam Christopher Walker.
The selection strikes a balance between youth and experience with utility players like Timothy Kisiga and Ian Arnold Munyani offering versatility.
The Rugby Cranes’ medical and performance units are also fully mobilized, with Dr. Bugosera Sulaiman Wasukira as the team doctor and Timothy Mudoola Muwumba overseeing strength and conditioning.
Physio Noah Kayongo completes the performance staff, ensuring that players remain in peak condition throughout the tour.
The Southern Africa tour is seen as a litmus test for Uganda’s ambitions ahead of next year’s Rugby Africa Cup, a tournament that serves as a qualifier for global competitions.
The Squad
Forwards: Santos Ssentenza – Edward Emienju – Fahad Maido – Julius Opio – Sidney Gyobi Gogodyo – Frank Kidega – Byron Okellayot – Plus Ogenga – Nathan Asinimire Bwanibate – Blair Ayebazibwe – Saul Kiyumbi – Eliphaz Emong – Brian Wandera – Frank Evans Kakula – Michael Steve Masendi Otto – Moses Zziwa – Emmanuel Luminsa Kiyaga – Simon Peter Olet – Desire Ayera
Backs: Conrad Wanyama Wandera – Yasin Smith Wasswa – Shakim Ssembusi – Justin Kimono Simwende – Thomas Gwokto – Ivan Otema – Timothy Kisiga – Aaron Olyorworth – Liam Christopher Walker – Joseph Aredo Jadwong – William Nkore Ampeire – Nicholas Kato – Arnold Mananu – Ian Arnold Munyani – Adrian Kasito – Haruna Muhammed – Isaac Massanganzira
Management
Charles Andrew Ikopit – Team Manager
Isaac Kimeze Kapalaga – Asst. Team Manager
Adam Kabalega – Asst. Team Manager
Cornelius Johannes Marais – HP Consultant
Fred Alex Mudoola – Head Coach
Leonard Lubambula – Coach
Zane Kirchner – Coach
Marvin Harold Odong – Coach
Timothy Mudoola Muwumba – S & C
Bugosera Sulaiman Wasukira – Doctor
Noah Kayongo – Team Physio
Tour schedule
June 14 – Test match vs. Namibia (Windhoek)
June 16–19 – Training Camp (Nylstroom, South Africa)
June 21 – Friendly vs. Limpopo Blue Bulls
June 23–26 – Training Camp (Nelspruit)
June 27 – Friendly vs. Pumas
