Uganda’s road to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) officially begins, as FUFA released a 41-man provisional squad made up exclusively of locally-based players. The team, led by the technical duo of Fred Muhumuza and Morley Byekwaso, is preparing for the continental tournament that Uganda will co-host alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Non-residential training is set to begin this Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Prisons Ground in Luzira, kicking off Uganda’s bid to make a deep run in the prestigious tournament reserved for players featuring in their national domestic leagues.
A squad with depth, balance, and big dreams
The squad reflects a healthy blend of experienced campaigners and youthful prospects. It includes several top performers from the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League season, with one surprise inclusion—James Bogere from Masaka Sunshine FC, a regional league outfit, who impressed FUFA scouts and earned a shot at the national stage.
Goalkeepers
Leading the goalkeeping department are trusted hands such as Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), and Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC), joined by upcoming prospects Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC) and Mutwalibu Mugolofa (KCCA FC).
Defenders
The defense is marshaled by familiar names like Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), and Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), with added steel from promising defenders including Ronald Otti (Kitara FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), and Arnold Odong (SC Villa). Their presence ensures both physicality and composure at the back.
Midfielders
In midfield, the creative heartbeat will likely come from Vipers SC playmaker Allan Okello, returning to the national fold. Abdul Karim Watambala, Marvin Youngman, and Reagan Mpande provide depth and dynamism, while Ronald Ssekiganda, though currently unattached, brings grit and leadership from previous national team stints.
Forwards
Up front, the Cranes boast an exciting attacking lineup led by the experienced Milton Karisa and Yunus Sentamu (both Vipers SC). They’re supported by a youthful, hungry group including Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa), and Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC). James Bogere’s inclusion adds a feel-good, underdog element to the attacking unit.
The road ahead: Building momentum at home
As hosts, Uganda will be under pressure to perform—both on and off the pitch. Expectations are high that this generation of locally-based players can finally push the Cranes beyond the group stages, a feat the nation has yet to achieve at CHAN.
The early training sessions in Luzira will help the coaches assess form and fitness before trimming the squad ahead of the residential camp and international friendlies. The team is also expected to play several warm-up matches to boost cohesion and tactical readiness before the final tournament.
