By 
The Uganda Cranes have received a timely boost after legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango has made a sensational comeback to international football, four years after his retirement.
Onyango, who stepped away from national duty in 2021 after 79 caps since his 2005 debut, remains first-choice at Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa. His return comes as coach Paul Put prepares his side for crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique on September 5 and Somalia on September 9, both at the Mandela National Stadium.
Coach Put explained that the decision was driven by Uganda’s goalkeeping crisis following Ismail Watenga’s injury:
“We have been short of options, so we decided to bring Onyango back. I worked with him during CHAN and was impressed by his discipline, maturity, and leadership. He will be very important for this qualification journey.”
Also recalled is Salim Jamal Magoola of Richards Bay in South Africa, who returns after a long absence, while forward Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru finally joins the squad having previously turned down invitations.
“Mubiru had been carrying an injury, but now he is fit and in good form. With AFCON around the corner, we believe he can add something special to the attack,” Put noted.
Uganda currently sits fourth in Group G with nine points from six matches. Training starts on August 31 with local players, before foreign-based stars link up between September 1 and 3.
Uganda Cranes Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
Goalkeepers
- Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
- Salim Jamal (Richards Bay, South Africa)
- Alionzi Nafian (Defence Forces, Ethiopia)
- Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)
Defenders
- Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland)
- Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany)
- Elio Capradossi (FC Universitatea, Romania)
- Rogers Torach (Vipers, Uganda)
- Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England)
- Hillary Mukundane (Vipers, Uganda)
- Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland)
- Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)
- Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda)
- Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Midfielders
- Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda)
- Kenneth Ssemakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait)
- Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda)
- Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers, Uganda)
- Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)
Forwards
- Dennis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)
- Allan Okello (Vipers, Uganda)
- Joseph Mpande (Pvf Cand FC, Vietnam)
- Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia)
- Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda)
- Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda)
- John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens, Sweden)
- Patrick Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)
- Uche Ikpeazu Mubiru (St. Johnstone, Scotland)
