Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has rolled out his provisional squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, delivering a list packed with eyebrow-raising selections, unexpected absentees, and a blend of youth and experience.
In a move that underlines his trust in local talent, Put has drafted in nine players from the Uganda Premier League, among them Vipers SC talisman Allan Okello, whose creativity and form have made him impossible to overlook.
One of the most striking decisions is the call-up of teenage sensation James Bogere. Fresh from an impressive showing at the FIFA U17 World Cup, the youngster has earned his first senior-team nod, signalling Put’s willingness to inject fresh blood into the squad.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Charles Lukwago returns to the national setup despite an underwhelming run at KCCA FC, a selection many did not see coming. At right-back, SC Villa’s David Owori has been preferred ahead of Gavin Kizito and Elvis Bwomono, though English-based defender Bevis Mugabi sits out the tournament due to injury.
The midfield puzzle also carries surprises. Joel Sserunjogi, one of the bright sparks at the recent CHAN tournament, has been omitted, while Jude Ssemugabi makes the cut despite reportedly limited minutes at his club in South Sudan.
Abroad-based duo Lorenzen Melvyn (Muangthong United, Thailand) and Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel) have also been included. National Team Officer Paul Mukatabala earlier disclosed that both players were facing pressure from their respective clubs, who allegedly threatened to terminate their contracts if they travelled for AFCON duty, a dramatic twist in Uganda’s preparations.
The road to Morocco 🇲🇦 is set.
Presenting the @UgandaCranes squad for the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. pic.twitter.com/ovdQzoD5f7
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) December 6, 2025
FUFA confirmed that the Cranes will jet out of Entebbe this Sunday for a training camp in Casablanca. The team will spend eleven days in Morocco and play two friendly matches before kicking off their AFCON campaign against Tunisia on December 23.
The Cranes booked their spot at the tournament last November, emerging from a tough qualifying group featuring South Africa, Congo, and South Sudan, a significant milestone after missing both the 2021 and 2023 editions.
Uganda now faces a daunting AFCON group that includes giants Nigeria and regional rivals Tanzania. Navigating this trio and punching a ticket to the knockout stage has become Put’s biggest mission heading into Morocco.
Uganda Cranes AFCON squad
Goalkeepers
- Magoola Salim Omar – Richards Bay FC (South Africa)
- Onyango Denis – Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa)
- Alionzi Nafian – Defense Forces FC (Ethiopia)
- Lukwago Charles – KCCA FC (Uganda)
Defenders
- Sibbick Toby – Burton Albion FC (England)
- Caprodossi Elio – FC Universitatea Cluj (Romania)
- Obita Jordan – Hibernian FC (Scotland)
- Torach Rogers – Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Kayondo Abdu Azizi – FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic)
- Mulembe Isaac – Viktoria Zizkov (Czech Republic)
- Awany Timothy – FC Ashdod (Israel)
- Owori David – SC Villa (Uganda)
- Mukundane Hilary – Vipers SC (Uganda)
Midfielders
- Semakula Kenneth – Al-Adalah FC (Saudi Arabia)
- Aucho Khalid – Singida Black Stars SC (Tanzania)
- Ssekiganda Ronald – APR FC (Rwanda)
- Byaruhanga Bobosi – Oakland Roots SC (USA)
- Alhassan Baba – FCSB (Romania)
Forwards
- Okello Allan – Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Melyvn Lorenzen – Muangthong United FC (Thailand)
- Mutyaba Travis – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)
- Omedi Denis – APR FC (Rwanda)
- Mato Rogers – FK Vardar (North Macedonia)
- Mpande Reagan – SC Villa (Uganda)
- Ssemugabi Jude – Jamus FC (South Sudan)
- Ikpeazu Uchechukwu – St. Johnstone FC (Scotland)
- Mukwala Steven – Simba SC (Tanzania)
- Bogere James – Masaka Sunshine FC (Uganda)
- Ahimbisibwe Ivan – KCCA FC (Uganda)
- Kwikiriza Shafik Nana – KCCA FC (Uganda)
