Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 28-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya, as well as two international friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
Uganda will face Tunisia away on September 24 before hosting Libya on September 29 in the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
The Cranes will then play DR Congo in two international friendly matches on October 2 and 5.
The squad includes experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango of South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, alongside David Lukwago of SC Villa and Hannington Ssebwalunyo of NEC FC.
The defenders are 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 options include Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor), Noble Okello (Lexington SC), Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria), Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United).
The forwards are 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 listed by FUFA was identified only by his club, AS FAR of Morocco, in the squad announcement.
Put said he was satisfied with the current form, fitness and commitment of the players selected for what he described as a competitive international window.
The Belgian coach also explained the absence of several regular players.
He confirmed that Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi are unavailable because of injuries, while captain Khalid Aucho, Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi were also left out.
According to Put, some of the players are without clubs or have recently completed transfers and have not accumulated enough playing time, while others are returning from long-term injuries and are yet to regain full match fitness.
Put said the door remains open for the absent players to return to the national team once they regain their fitness and match rhythm.
The September-October international window will run from September 21 to October 6, giving the Cranes four matches during the period.
