Paul Put Unveils 26-Man Uganda Cranes Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Group G – Fixtures:

• March 20, 2025: Mozambique vs Uganda – 4 PM (EAT) – Cairo International Stadium
• March 25, 2025: Uganda vs Guinea – 7 PM (EAT) – Mandela National Stadium, Namboole

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has officially named a 26-player squad set to feature in the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea.

The announcement was made during a press conference held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at the FUFA Complex in Mengo.

The Cranes will lock horns with Mozambique on March 20 at the Cairo International Stadium before returning home to face Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on March 25.

The squad boasts a mix of home-based stars and international talent, with Vipers SC midfielder Allan Okello leading a strong contingent of nine players from the Startimes Uganda Premier League.

SC Villa captain Ronald Ssekiganda and Kitara’s Jude Ssemugabi retain their places, while NEC’s Enock Ssebagala and Vipers’ Karim Watambala earn well-deserved call-ups.

In a major boost, striker Muhammad Shaban, who recently completed a switch to Al Anwar in Libya, returns to the squad.

Defensive reinforcements include Wigan Athletic’s Toby Sibbick and Anorthosis Famagusta’s Bevis Mugabi, both making their way back into the national fold.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows, South Africa)
• Alionzi Nafian (Mechal, Ethiopia)
• Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)

Defenders:

• Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren)
• Gavin Kizito (KCCA)
• Bevis Mugabi (Anorthosis Famagusta)
• Timothy Awany (Ashdod FC)
• Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic)
• Rogers Torach (Vipers)
• Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec)
• Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov)

Midfielders:

• Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa)
• Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain)
• Khalid Aucho (Young Africans)
• Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC)
• Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers)
• Allan Okello (Vipers)
• Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux)

Forwards:

• Denis Omedi (APR FC)
• Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC)
• Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara)
• Rogers Mato (FK Vardar)
• Steven Mukwala (Simba)
• Muhammad Shaban (Al Anwar)
• Calvin Kabuye (Mjällby AIF)
• Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)