Uganda Cranes Prepare for Challenging AFCON Qualifiers

Paul Put has nailed his colours to the mast. Uganda’s head coach has named a 28-man squad for a punishing September–October window that will test the Cranes’ depth, resilience and ambition on the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Two AFCON qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya frame the schedule. Two friendlies against DR Congo add extra edge and opportunity. Four games in 16 days. No hiding place.

Uganda travel first, away to Tunisia on September 24, then return home to host Libya on September 29 in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. DR Congo await next, with back‑to‑back friendlies on October 2 and 5. The international window officially runs from September 21 to October 6, but for Put and his players it will feel much shorter — and far more intense.

Onyango headlines a squad built on experience and auditions

The headline name jumps off the page. Denis Onyango, the vastly experienced Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, is back to anchor the group, offering leadership and calm in a window that could shape Uganda’s trajectory.

He is joined in goal by David Lukwago of SC Villa and Hannington Ssebwalunyo of NEC FC, a blend of proven class and domestic form that gives Put options without diluting hierarchy. Onyango remains the reference point.

In front of them, the defensive unit carries a distinctly modern, international feel.

Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Jonathan Odongo (UPPC), Rogers Torach (CS Constantine) and Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec) headline a back line that spans England, Algeria and the Czech Republic. Add Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg), Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City), Geofrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC) and Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United), and you get a picture of what Put wants: mobility, versatility, and competition for every shirt.

This is not a comfort‑zone squad. It is a proving ground.

Midfield balance and a forward line with something to prove

In midfield, Put has opted for legs, range and players who can operate in multiple roles.

Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor) and Noble Okello (Lexington SC) offer presence and passing from deeper areas, while Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria), Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United) bring energy and the ability to link play between the lines. It is a group built to adapt — to the heat of North Africa, the demands of home support, and the tactical shifts across four matches.

Up front, the tone changes. This is where careers can accelerate.

James Bogere (AGF), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia), Rogers Mato (Hearts), Hassan Mubiru (Azam), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks), Steven Mukwala (Al Nasr), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa) form a forward unit rich in variety and hungry for status.

One forward was listed only by his club, AS FAR of Morocco, in the FUFA announcement — a reminder that this squad is still evolving, that scouting and integration are ongoing even as the fixtures close in.

This is where Put will demand end product. Goals away to Tunisia, incision against Libya, and sharpness in the DR Congo friendlies. For several of these attackers, this window is more than selection; it is an audition for long‑term roles in a side being reshaped.

Big absences, clear message

The names missing from the list are just as telling as those included.

Put confirmed that Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi are out through injury. Captain Khalid Aucho is absent too, along with Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi.

Some are without clubs. Others have only just completed transfers and lack minutes. A few are returning from long‑term injuries and have not yet hit full match fitness. Put did not sugar‑coat it: this is a squad built on current form, fitness and commitment, not on reputation.

The message cuts through. Nobody is permanently discarded, but nobody is guaranteed a place either.

He has been clear that the door remains open. Once those left out regain rhythm, fitness and regular playing time, the national team is still within reach. Until then, the shirt belongs to those ready to run, press and compete now.

A defining stretch

Four matches. Sixteen days. One coach trying to fuse experience with fresh energy under competitive pressure.

Tunisia away will demand discipline and maturity. Libya at home will test Uganda’s ability to dictate and deliver in front of their own fans. DR Congo, twice in quick succession, offers Put the chance to tweak, to experiment, to reward form or correct course.

For some, this window will be a return to the familiar intensity of international football. For others, it will be their first real taste of it.

By October 6, Put will know far more about who he can trust when AFCON qualification moves from planning to crunch time.