Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has shifted the conversation toward renewal and risk-taking as he unveiled his provisional squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
In a bold twist from his previous selections, Put has leaned heavily on emerging talent and home-based commitment, naming nine Uganda Premier League players a statement that the local league’s form and intensity can no longer be ignored.
Among the most eye-catching inclusions is teenage sensation James Bogere, whose electric displays at the FIFA U17 World Cup have fast-tracked him into senior national contention. His elevation signals Put’s readiness to inject youthful unpredictability into the Cranes setup.
The squad also features Allan Okello, Vipers’ creative axis, while Charles Lukwago returns despite recent turbulence at KCCA Put seemingly valuing experience over club form.
At right-back, David Owori (SC Villa) has earned the nod ahead of more familiar faces such as Gavin Kizito and Elvis Bwomono, as injuries and form shape a new hierarchy in defense. England-based Bevis Mugabi sits out due to injury, while CHAN standout Joel Sserunjogi is among the surprise omissions.
Another talking point is the selection of Jude Ssemugabi, whose limited minutes in South Sudan had cast doubt on his readiness, yet Put has chosen to keep faith in his versatility and work rate.
FUFA confirmed that the Cranes will jet out on Sunday for an 11-day training camp in Casablanca, where they will play two friendly matches before kicking off their AFCON campaign against Tunisia on December 23.
Put’s latest choices paint a picture of a coach willing to gamble blending raw youth, local steel and selective experience as Uganda looks to punch above its weight in 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), Muleme Isaac – Viktoria Zizkov (Czech Republic), Awany Timothy – FC Ashdod (Israel), Owori David – SC Villa (Uganda) and 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) and 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) and Kwikiriza Shafik Nana – KCCA FC (Uganda)
