Uganda Cranes Squad for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers and Friendlies
Paul Put has drawn his battle lines for a crucial international window, naming a 28-man Uganda Cranes squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and a pair of friendlies that will test both depth and resolve.
Cranes brace for Tunisia, Libya and DR Congo
Uganda open their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign away to Tunisia on September 24, a daunting trip that will set the tone for the group. Five days later, on September 29, the Cranes return home to host Libya.
The competitive fixtures are followed almost immediately by two friendlies against DR Congo on October 2 and 5, rounding off a packed window that runs from September 21 to October 6. Four matches. Sixteen days. Very little room for error.
Onyango headlines experienced core
Between the posts, Paul Put has gone for experience first. Denis Onyango, the long-serving Uganda number one and Mamelodi Sundowns stalwart, is back to anchor the side. He is joined by David Lukwago of SC Villa and NEC FC’s Hannington Ssebwalunyo, who will push for minutes behind the veteran.
The defensive unit blends foreign-based steel with local consistency. Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion) and Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City) bring English league sharpness, while Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg) adds German know-how. They are flanked by Aziz Kayondo of Slovan Liberec and KCCA FC’s Herbert Achayi.
Rogers Torach (CS Constantine), Jonathan Odongo (UPPC), Geofrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC) and Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United) complete a back line that Put will expect to stand up to Tunisia’s attacking quality and Libya’s physical edge.
Midfield balance and attacking options
In midfield, Put has opted for mobility and versatility. Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor) and Noble Okello (Lexington SC) offer presence and range, while Kenneth Semakula, now at Al Ittihad Alexandria, provides balance in the middle of the park.
Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United) round off the options, giving the Belgian coach room to tweak his structure depending on the opponent.
Up front, there is no shortage of firepower. James Bogere (AGF), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien) and Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia) headline a forward line that will be judged on goals, not promise. Rogers Mato (Hearts) and Hassan Mubiru (Azam) add width and direct running.
Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks), Steven Mukwala (Al Nasr), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa) are all included, giving Put multiple profiles in attack. One forward was listed only by his club, AS FAR of Morocco, in the official FUFA announcement, with no name confirmed in the squad release.
Big absentees and a clear message
The squad does not come without notable omissions. Put confirmed that Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi miss out through injury. Captain Khalid Aucho is also absent, along with Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi.
The reasoning was blunt. Some of those players are currently without clubs. Others have just completed transfers and lack sufficient game time. A few are returning from long-term injuries and have not yet hit full match fitness.
Put stressed that the door is not closed. Once they regain rhythm, fitness and minutes, the path back to the Cranes remains open.
For now, though, this is his group. Four matches, one demanding window, and an early chance to show whether Uganda’s new cycle under Paul Put is ready to stand up to Africa’s hardest questions.
