Uganda Cranes Announce 28-Man Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Paul Put has drawn his battle lines.
The Uganda Cranes head coach has unveiled a 28-man squad for a demanding September–October international window that will test his new project against Tunisia, Libya and DR Congo, and set the tone for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Uganda open their AFCON 2027 qualifiers away to Tunisia on September 24, then return home to host Libya on September 29. Once the competitive dust settles, DR Congo await in back-to-back international friendlies on October 2 and 5.
Four games. Sixteen days. Little room for excuses.
Onyango back to anchor the Cranes
Between the posts, Put has turned to experience. Denis Onyango, the long-serving goalkeeper from Mamelodi Sundowns, headlines the list and instantly stiffens the spine of the group. He is joined by David Lukwago of SC Villa and NEC FC’s Hannington Ssebwalunyo, giving the Cranes a blend of pedigree and local form.
The back line carries a distinctly international flavour. Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion) and Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City) arrive from England, Herbert Bockhorn checks in from FC Magdeburg in Germany, while Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec) and Rogers Torach (CS Constantine) add continental steel.
Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Geofrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC) and Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United) complete a defensive unit that Put will rely on heavily in North African conditions.
Midfield rebuilt on fresh legs
In midfield, the Belgian has opted for energy and versatility. Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor) and Noble Okello (Lexington SC) bring overseas sharpness, with Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria) expected to provide structure in the engine room.
Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United) round off a compact midfield group that will be asked to protect the back four and supply a forward line packed with variety.
Firepower and a mystery name up front
Put’s attacking options are extensive. James Bogere (AGF), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien) and Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia) headline a frontline that mixes youth, power and guile.
Rogers Mato (Hearts), Hassan Mubiru (Azam), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks), Steven Mukwala (Al Nasr), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa) are all included, underlining the coach’s intent to rotate and attack in waves.
One forward, however, arrived on the official FUFA list without a name, identified only by his club, AS FAR of Morocco. The omission adds a curious wrinkle to an otherwise detailed announcement, but the slot itself underlines Put’s desire to keep competition high in the final third.
Big absentees and a clear message
The headline inclusions are matched by some notable absences.
Put confirmed that Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi miss out through injury. Captain Khalid Aucho is also absent, as are Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi.
The reasons, the coach explained, are blunt: some players are currently without clubs, others have just moved and lack minutes, and a few are only now emerging from long-term injuries and are not yet at full match fitness.
It is a hard line, but a clear one. Form, fitness and commitment. Those are the filters.
Put stressed that the door remains open. Once the sidelined regulars regain rhythm and prove their readiness, they can fight their way back into the group. For now, though, this is the squad that will carry Uganda through a critical stretch.
From September 21 to October 6, the international window gives the Cranes four matches and a sharp early look at their AFCON 2027 credentials.
With Tunisia away first and Libya to follow, we are about to find out how quickly Put’s Uganda can grow up.
