Uganda is preparing for an unprecedented test of depth and organization as the country gets set to field two separate U17 teams for international duty next month.
The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed that the country will compete in both the 2025 CECAFA U17 Championship in Ethiopia and the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, which will run almost concurrently from November 15 to December 2.
It’s a rare scenario that will see Uganda split its resources coaches, players, and support staff across two major tournaments. FUFA officials say the move is aimed at ensuring continued regional dominance while also giving more young players international exposure.
Uganda will head to Ethiopia as defending CECAFA champions, having defeated Tanzania 2–1 in last year’s final at Nakivubo. That triumph, inspired by goals from Arafat Nkoola and James Bogere, cemented Uganda’s status as the region’s leading producer of youth talent.
This year’s CECAFA U17 Championship, to be played at Abebe Bikila and Dire Dawa Stadiums, will double as a qualifier for the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Ten nations including Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Somalia, and Djibouti will take part, with Uganda and the hosts expected to be seeded in separate groups.
The official draw for the tournament will take place in Kampala on Friday.
