By Nabakiibi Doreen Malaika
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 28-man squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with legendary goalkeeper Denis Masinde Onyango making a sensational comeback after four years out of the national team.
Uganda, currently fourth in Group G with nine points, will host Mozambique on September 5 before taking on Somalia on September 8 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
The squad announcement is notable not just for Onyango’s return but also for the promotion of ten standout performers from CHAN 2024. These players earned their place in the senior team thanks to impressive displays at the continental tournament earlier this year.
Goalkeepers
Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa) brings experience and leadership to steady the team.
Salim Jamal Magoola (Richards Bay, South Africa) returns to full fitness and offers agility and reliability.
Alionzi Nafian (URA FC, Uganda) is a strong local option with a good penalty-saving record.
Joel Mutakubwa (SC Villa, Uganda) offers aerial strength and command of the box.
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren, Scotland) is an energetic right-back with strong attacking overlaps.
Herbert Bochorn (Germany) brings European tactical awareness and versatility.
Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda) is a central defender who dominates in the air.
Jordan Obita (Fleetwood Town, England) offers attacking threat and precise crosses from the left.
Toby Sibbick (Hearts, Scotland) combines intelligence with physical strength.
Aziizi Kayondo (Hapoel Hadera, Israel) adds pace and offensive instincts from the back.
Herbert Achayi (Maroons FC, Uganda) is a CHAN graduate making his senior debut.
Gavin Kizito (Bregalnica Štip, North Macedonia) is a calm young center-back and former U20 captain.
Midfielders
Joel Serunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda) works tirelessly to win the ball.
Abdulkarim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda) is a deep-lying playmaker with excellent vision.
Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt) is a creative teenage talent with flair.
Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda) balances defense and attack with intelligence and versatility.
Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda) is a powerful striker and clinical finisher.
Allan Okello (KCCA FC, Uganda) continues to be Uganda’s creative match-winner.
Reagan Mpande (CHAN 2024 breakout) brings speed and fearless attacking runs.
Joseph Mpande (Haiphong FC, Vietnam) is an experienced goal-scorer abroad.
Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda) is a rising talent with pace and finishing ability.
Jude Semugabi (Mbarara City, Uganda) is a strong aerial threat in attack.
John Paul Dembe (Vipers SC, Uganda) offers versatility and pace up front.
Ikpeazu Uchechukwu (Port Vale, England) brings physical presence and strength in attack.
CHAN 2024 Influence
The promotion of ten players from CHAN 2024, including Reagan Mpande, Herbert Achayi, and Patrick Jonah Kakande, shows coach Paul Put’s intent to blend local talent with experienced internationals like Onyango and Obita.
Outlook
This mix of returning legends, foreign-based stars, and CHAN-bred youngsters makes the Uganda Cranes squad one of the most balanced in recent years. With two crucial qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia, Paul Put will be counting on both youth and experience to keep Uganda’s World Cup hopes alive.
