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Uganda U20 head coach Laryea Kingston has trimmed his team to a 20-man squad for the 2026 CECAFA U-20 Championship, which gets underway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on September 15.
The Hippos will be hoping to make a strong push for the regional title, with the tournament also offering a route to the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kingston has blended players already competing at senior level with emerging talent from Uganda’s youth setup as he prepares for the tournament.
A number of the selected players are attached to clubs in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League. They include NEC’s Hakim Wandera, SC Villa duo Raymond Mangoli Barasa and Gilbert Ogenrwot, KCCA’s Hakim Kawuki, Vipers forward Amour Munogera, and BUL players Adrian Isabirye and Richard Okello.
Lugazi goalkeeper Batali Igama and BUL defender Adrian Isabirye are also part of the squad, while Meddy Mutamba represents Busoga United.
The squad also features four players based outside Uganda. Mimosa Yashir, who is at the University of California, Steven Oyirwoth of UNC Men’s Soccer, Genesis Odiya from NK Tabor Sezana in Slovenia and AC Amager midfielder Joseph Ssenyondwa bring international experience to the group.
Masaka Sunshine midfielder Isma Magala is another player attracting attention after progressing through Uganda’s youth ranks. Magala was part of the U17 setup before making the step up to the U20 team.
The Hippos will begin their campaign on Tuesday, September 15, against Djibouti, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm.
They will then face Sudan on September 19 as they battle for one of the two available places in the knockout stage.
The two finalists will secure qualification to represent the CECAFA region at the 2026 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda Hippos squad
Goalkeepers: Adrian Isabirye (BUL FC), Batali Igama (Lugazi FC)
Defenders: Raymond Mangoli Barasa (SC Villa), Mimosa Yashir (University of California, USA), Hakim Kawuki (KCCA FC), Elvis Opakrwoth (St. Mary’s Kitende), Hakim Wandera (NEC FC), Steven Oyirwoth (UNC Men’s Soccer, USA), Meddy Mutamba (Busoga United FC), Gilbert Ogenrwot (SC Villa)
Midfielders: Amour Munogera (Vipers SC), Brian Owino (Vipers SC JT), Isma Magala (Masaka Sunshine), Genesis Odiya (NK Tabor Sezana) and Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers SC JT)
Forwards: Richard Okello (BUL FC), Joseph Ssenyondwa (AC Amager), Derrick Ssozi (Bukedea Comprehensive), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive), Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC)
Technical team
Leader of Delegation: Frank Ankunzire
Head Coach: Laryea Kingston
Assistant Coach: Bashir Ssemuyaba
Goalkeeping Coach: Stephen Billy Kiggundu
Fitness Coach: Denis “Denol” Kizito
Team Doctor: Ivan Kulika
Kits Manager: Frank Bumpenje
Team Manager: Brian Umony
Media Officer: Andrew Talenga
