The Uganda Rugby Cranes are set to embark on a high-intensity tour of Southern Africa as part of their preparations for the prestigious Rugby Africa Cup 2025, which will be hosted at the iconic Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, from July 8 to 19, 2025.
The national team departs Kampala today, June 11, for a three-week tour that includes three high-stakes friendly matches and two intense training camps in South Africa, hosted by the esteemed Blue Bulls.
The tour kicks off with a tough test against Namibia on June 14 in Windhoek. From there, the Cranes will head to Nylystroom, South Africa, for a five-day training camp running from June 16 to 19. Following this, the team will face off with the Limpopo Blue Bulls in another friendly on June 21.
The final leg of the tour will take place in Nelspruit, where the squad will hold a four-day training camp from June 23 to 26. The tour will culminate in a friendly clash with the Pumas on June 27.
A 36-man squad has been named for this vital preparatory tour. The first group of 24 players will travel to Namibia, with the remaining 12 set to join them in South Africa the following week.
Uganda Rugby Cranes Squad:
Forwards:
Santos Ssenteza, Edward Emiemu, Fahad Maido, Julius Opio, Sidney Gyobi Gogodyo, Frank Kidega, Byron Oketayot, Pius Ogena, Nathan Asiimwe Bwambale, Blair Ayebazibwe, Saul Kivumbi, Eliphaz Emong, Brian Wandera, Frank Evans Kakula, Michael Steve Masendi Otto, Moses Zziwa, Emmanuel Luminisa Kiyaga, Simon Peter Olet, Desire Ayera
Backs:
Conrad Wanyama Wandera, Yasin Smith Wasswa, Shakim Ssembusi, Justin Kimono Simwende, Thomas Gwokto, Ivan Otema, Timothy Kisiga, Aaron Ofwono, Liam Christopher Walker, Joseph Aredo Jadwong, William Nkore Ampeire, Nicholas Kato, Arnold Mananu, Ian Arnold Munyani, Adrian Kasito, Haruna Muhammed, Isaac Massanganziira
Management Team:
Charles Andrew Ikopi – Team Manager
Isaac Kimeze Kapalaga – Assistant Team Manager
Adam Kabalega – Assistant Team Manager
Cornelius Johannes Marais – HP Consultant
Fred Alex Mudoola – Head Coach
Leonard Lubambula – Coach
Zane Kirchner – Coach
Marvin Harold Odong – Coach
Timothy Mudoola Muwumba – Strength & Conditioning
Bugosera Sulaiman Wasukira – Doctor
Noah Kayongo – Team Physio
