The final squad that will represent Uganda at the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers CECAFA Zone Championship landed in Rwanda yesterday.
Uganda U-17 men’s national football team head coach Laryea Kingston has named a 21-player squad comprising three goalkeepers, seven defenders, five midfielders, and five forwards.
The Uganda Cubs embarked on the short journey to Kigali on Tuesday ahead of the regional tournament, which is scheduled for 10th–19th October 2026.
Uganda has enjoyed significant success at the CECAFA U-17 Championship, winning back-to-back titles before finishing as runners-up to Tanzania in the previous edition.
The Cubs’ strong performances in regional competitions have also been instrumental in securing qualification for the continental tournament, as well as back-to-back FIFA U-17 World Cup appearances in 2025 and 2026.
The technical team, led by Kingston, includes Brian Umony (Team Manager), Steven Bengo (Assistant Coach), Kenneth Magada (Goalkeeper Coach), John Mangeni Bwire (Team Doctor), Noah Veron Ddamba (Kit Manager), Vincent Tumusiime (Safeguarding Officer), Aloysius Byamukama (Media Officer), and Mansoor Kabugo (Leader of Delegation).
“Also named to the final squad traveling to Kigali is Arsenal’s Isaiah Swaibu Matthews. While he will not feature in competitive action, he is traveling to gain invaluable international exposure within the national youth setup ahead of future engagements,” confirmed FUFA Corporate Affairs Director Ahmed Hussein.
The CECAFA Zone Championship serves as the regional qualifier for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, and Uganda will be aiming to mount another strong campaign to secure a berth at the continental finals.
Uganda Cubs Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Obbo Rodrick Collins (KCCA Junior Team), Dean David Segirinya (Rays of Grace Soccer Academy), Mubiru Godfrey (AMUS College).
Defenders: Martin Paecel Kayiwa (URA Junior Team), Sumaku Mutawakali (Rays of Grace Soccer Academy), Jemba Ukasha Abdulshafie (KCCA Junior Team), Najib Kivumbi (Excel Soccer Academy), Wandera Abdallah (Rays of Grace Soccer Academy), Shaldon Ssevume (KS Sparta 09), Isaiah Swaibu Matthews (Arsenal FC).
Midfielders: Muhoozi Henry (AMUS College), Yusuf Ssenyonga (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio Academy), Jeremiah Bwire (Jinja S.S), Joseph Ssebufuu (Kampala Junior Team).
Forwards: Harold Egwangu Richard (Buckswood School Football Academy – England), Junior Ofoyth (El Cambio Soccer Academy), Nicholas Kawooya (Budo SS), Arafaat Ibanda (Ebenezer Soccer Academy), Sebastian Fisher (Partick Thistle).
