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Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has included 14 Uganda Premier League players in his 28-man provisional squad for next month’s international friendlies in Morocco.
The Cranes will face Tanzania on June 5 before taking on Madagascar on June 8 in Marrakech as preparations continue for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Half of the selected squad is made up of locally-based players, with SC Villa contributing the biggest number of players among the Uganda Premier League clubs represented.
The locally-based players summoned are Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), David Lukwago (SC Villa), Raymon Barasa Mangoli (SC Villa), Geoffrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Joseph Seremba (NEC FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Sammy Ssebaggala (KCCA FC), Hassan Mubiru (SC Villa), Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC), Arafat Usama Kiza (Vipers SC) and Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC).
Speaking about his selection, Put stressed the importance of the two friendlies as Uganda builds towards the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
“I think these will be two good games to test where we are as a team. Qualifiers for AFCON 2027 start soon in September, October and November, so we need to be prepared,” Put said.
The Belgian tactician also explained why several local players earned call-ups.
“This squad also includes some new names, including local players who have shown their potential and talent this year. I want to give them a chance,” he added.
Put also confirmed that injuries and fitness concerns ruled out some players from the squad.
“We also had to deal with injuries. Players like Toby Sibbick are not 100% fit, and Elio Capradossi, Nafian Alionzi and Jude Ssemugabi are carrying injuries,” he noted.
The squad also features foreign-based stars including Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato and James Bogere.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers:
Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), David Lukwago (SC Villa), Joel Mutakubwa (Adigrat University FC)
Defenders:
Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg), Nathan Asiimwe (Charlton Athletic), Raymon Barasa Mangoli (SC Villa), Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC), Geoffrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Joseph Seremba (NEC FC)
Midfielders:
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC), Alhassan Baba (FCSB), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Allan Okello (Young Africans SC)
Forwards:
James Bogere (Aarhus AGF), Rogers Mato (Hearts FC), Sammy Ssebaggala (KCCA FC), Hassan Mubiru (SC Villa), Steven Mukwala (Al-Nasr SC), Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution FC), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC), Noble Okello (Indy Eleven FC), Arafat Usama Kiza (Vipers SC) and Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC).
