The Uganda Rugby Union has officially named a 28-man squad that will represent the country at the upcoming Rugby Africa Cup 2025 (RACUG25), a crucial qualification pathway to the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The squad announcement follows intensive preparations that saw the national team, Rugby Cranes, test their strength in international build-up matches against Namibia’s Welwitschias, South Africa’s Limpopo Blue Bulls, and the Pumas. The team returned to Uganda on June 28 and received positive reviews from the technical bench, especially in terms of player chemistry and preparedness.
Assistant Coach Leonard Lubambula, speaking at Entebbe International Airport upon the team’s return, praised the squad’s unity and form. “The team cohesion has been quite amazing, and the players are prepared,” he noted.
Full 28-man squad
Forwards:
Bwambale Nathan Asiimire
Edward Emiemu
Ssenteza Wycliff Santos
Ayebazibwe Blair
Kivumbi Saul
Kimbowa Collin
Maido Fahad
Emong Eliphaz
Opio Julius
Gongodyo Sydney
Wandera Brian
Oketayot Byron (Captain)
Kidega Frank (Vice Captain)
Ogena Pius
Desire Ayera
Aturinda Alex
Backline players:
Conrad Wanyama Wandera (Vice Captain)
Ofoywroth Aaron
Kasito Adrian
Jadwong Joseph Aredo
Liam Walker Christopher
Ampeirwe William Nkore
Munyani Ian Arnold
Massanganzira Isaac
Wokorach Philip
Otema Ivan
Ssembusi Shakim
Timothy Kisiga
Back-row stalwart Byron Oketayot will lead the team as captain, with scrum-half Conrad Wanyama and lock Frank Kidega appointed as vice captains.
Uganda’s Rugby Africa Cup campaign kicks off with a highly anticipated East African derby against Kenya on July 8, 2025, at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole), with kickoff set for 4:00 PM (EAT).
The Rugby Africa Cup serves as more than just a regional championship — it also plays a pivotal role in determining which African teams progress on the road to the Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.
