Uganda’s junior national football team, the Uganda Cubs, have been crowned champions of the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA qualifiers, with captain Henry Muhoozi and forward Arnold Kayemba among the tournament’s top individual performers.
The Cubs defeated Somalia 6-5 in a penalty shootout after the two sides drew in regulation time to secure the regional title.
Somalia finished second and received silver medals, while Uganda celebrated the championship after a tightly contested final.
Muhoozi was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while Kayemba finished as the top scorer. Goalkeeper David Ssegirinya was also recognised, winning the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award.
Muhoozi received his award from CECAFA Vice President and Somali Football Federation President Ali Abdi Mohamed. Kayemba was presented with his top scorer award by Richard Mugisha, the Second Vice President of the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) in charge of technical matters.
Ssegirinya’s award was presented by Ronnie Karakire, First Secretary at the Uganda High Commission in Kigali.
Uganda head coach Laryea Kingston praised his players’ performances and expressed optimism about their prospects of progressing to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
“We are building and I am proud of what my players have exhibited. No doubt 20% of these players will be at the U17 World Cup,” Kingston said.
Somalia’s coach, Daadir Amin Ali, reflected on his team’s second-place finish after the penalty shootout defeat.
Ethiopia received the Fair Play Award, which was presented by Mansoor Kabugo, leader of the delegation for the Uganda U-17 national team.
The tournament brought together youth teams competing for regional honours and progression through the continental U-17 football pathway.
For Uganda, the championship was accompanied by individual recognition for its captain, leading scorer and goalkeeper, highlighting the squad’s performance across the competition.
