Uganda Cranes Squad Named for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Paul Put has nailed his colours to the mast.

The Uganda Cranes head coach has named a 28-man squad for a demanding September–October window that will test his new project against Tunisia, Libya and DR Congo, with AFCON 2027 qualification already on the line.

Big tests, tight window

Uganda open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign away to Tunisia on September 24, a fixture that rarely forgives mistakes. Five days later, on September 29, the Cranes return home to host Libya.

There’s no time to breathe after that. DR Congo await in back-to-back international friendlies on October 2 and 5, rounding off a four-game block squeezed into the September 21–October 6 window.

Put has leaned on experience where it matters most. Between the posts, veteran Denis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns returns to anchor the group, joined by David Lukwago (SC Villa) and Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC).

Backbone of the side

The defensive unit blends homegrown league standouts with foreign-based regulars. Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion) and Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg) bring a hardened edge from Europe, while Jonathan Odongo (UPPC) and Rogers Torach (CS Constantine) add steel.

Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec) and Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC) offer energy down the flanks, with Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City), Geofrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC) and Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United) completing a group built to survive hostile away days and tight home contests.

In midfield, Put has gone for legs, range and balance. Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor) and Noble Okello (Lexington SC) give him presence and control, while Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria) links defence to attack. Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United) round off the engine room options.

Up front, there is no shortage of firepower. James Bogere (AGF), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia) and Rogers Mato (Hearts) headline a mobile, aggressive forward line. Hassan Mubiru (Azam), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks), Steven Mukwala (Al Nasr), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa) all make the cut.

One attacker, listed only by his club AS FAR of Morocco in the FUFA announcement, was included without a confirmed name, underlining how wide Put has cast his net.

Tough calls and big absences

The Belgian did not shy away from difficult decisions. Several established names are missing.

Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi are ruled out by injury. Captain Khalid Aucho, goalkeeper Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi are also absent from this window.

Put has been clear about why. Some players are currently without clubs. Others have only just completed transfers and lack minutes. A few are on the way back from long-term injuries and have not yet hit full match fitness.

For now, they watch from the outside. But the door, as Put stressed, is not closed. Regain fitness, find rhythm, and the national team remains within reach.

The message is blunt: form, fitness and commitment rule. With Tunisia away and Libya at home setting the tone for an AFCON 2027 campaign, there is little room for sentiment.

Four games. Sixteen days. A new-look Cranes side. The window will reveal who is ready to carry Uganda’s next qualifying push.