Uganda Cranes Unveil 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Paul Put has drawn his battle lines.
The Uganda Cranes head coach has unveiled a 28-man squad for a demanding September–October international window that will test both depth and ambition ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign away to Tunisia on September 24, then return home to host Libya on September 29. Once the competitive dust settles, the Cranes will face DR Congo in back-to-back friendlies on October 2 and 5, all within a window that runs from September 21 to October 6.
Onyango back to marshal the posts
The headline name is familiar. Denis Onyango, the veteran shot-stopper from Mamelodi Sundowns, anchors the goalkeeping department and brings a wealth of experience to a squad that blends old hands with fresh faces. He is joined by David Lukwago of SC Villa and NEC FC’s Hannington Ssebwalunyo.
Put has leaned on versatility and mobility across his back line.
The defenders include Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Jonathan Odongo (UPPC), Rogers Torach (CS Constantine), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg), Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City), Geofrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC) and Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United).
Midfield balance and attacking options
In the middle of the pitch, Put has gone for legs, energy and balance. Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor), Noble Okello (Lexington SC), Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria), Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United) form the core of his midfield options.
Up front, the coach has stacked his squad with forwards in form across different leagues. The attacking unit features James Bogere (AGF), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia), Rogers Mato (Hearts), Hassan Mubiru (Azam), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks), Steven Mukwala (Al Nasr), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa).
One forward in the list was identified only by his club, AS FAR of Morocco, in the official FUFA announcement, underlining that Put is still tapping into a wide scouting net.
The Belgian says he is satisfied with the form, fitness and commitment of those called up, describing this as a competitive window that demands sharp, ready players rather than reputation alone.
Big absentees and a clear message
The squad, though, tells its own story through the names missing.
Put confirmed that Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi are ruled out by injury. Captain Khalid Aucho, Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi are also absent from this camp.
The reasons are blunt. Some are currently without clubs. Others have just completed transfers and have not logged enough minutes. A few are only now emerging from long-term injuries and have yet to hit full match fitness.
Put has been clear that the door is not shut. Once those players regain fitness and rhythm, they will have a route back into the national team picture.
For now, though, this is the group tasked with navigating a tricky trip to Tunisia, defending home soil against Libya, and using two tests against DR Congo to harden a squad that will be judged on whether it can carry Uganda all the way to AFCON 2027.
