Uganda Cranes 28-Man Squad for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers and Friendlies
Paul Put has drawn his battle lines for a demanding international window, naming a 28-man Uganda Cranes squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers and a double-header of friendlies against DR Congo.
The Belgian has gone with form, fitness and attitude. Reputation alone did not survive the cut.
Tunisia away, Libya at home – then DR Congo twice
Uganda open their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a daunting trip to Tunisia on September 24, then return home to host Libya on September 29. Once the competitive dust settles, the Cranes will face DR Congo in back-to-back international friendlies on October 2 and 5.
All four matches fall within the September-October FIFA window, which runs from September 21 to October 6. It is a packed stretch, and Put has picked a group he believes can handle the load.
Onyango returns to anchor the goal
In goal, experience leads the way. Denis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns is back in the fold, joined by David Lukwago of SC Villa and NEC FC’s Hannington Ssebwalunyo. Between them, Put has a blend of authority, domestic sharpness and depth for a four-game run that will test concentration as much as quality.
Defensive mix of exports and home pillars
Across the back line, Put has gone for variety and mobility.
Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion) and Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg) bring a European edge, while Rogers Torach (CS Constantine) and Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec) add more overseas seasoning. Locally, Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Geofrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa) and Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC) carry the rhythm of the Ugandan league into camp.
Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City) and Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United) add youthful energy and versatility, with Jonathan Odongo (UPPC) rounding out a defensive unit built to cope with Tunisia’s intensity and Libya’s physicality.
Lean but lively midfield
Put has gone relatively light in midfield numbers, a sign of trust in the players he has chosen.
Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor) and Noble Okello (Lexington SC) bring a modern, athletic profile. Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria) offers control and balance, while Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United) will be asked to knit play together and support both ends of the pitch.
It is a group that will have to think quickly and cover ground, especially in Rades against Tunisia.
Attack built on pace, power and opportunity
Up front, the competition for minutes will be fierce.
James Bogere (AGF), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien) and Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia) headline a forward line stacked with players used to pressure environments. Rogers Mato (Hearts), Hassan Mubiru (Azam) and Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks) give Put different profiles out wide and through the middle.
Steven Mukwala (Al Nasr), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa) complete a frontline designed to stretch defences and punish mistakes. One additional forward was listed only by his club, AS FAR of Morocco, in the FUFA announcement, underscoring how quickly some names are emerging into the frame.
Put has been clear: he likes what he sees in their current form, fitness and commitment. This window is not for passengers.
Big names missing, but door stays open
The most striking element of the squad is who is not on it.
Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi miss out through injury. Captain Khalid Aucho, goalkeeper Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi are also absent.
Put has laid out his reasoning. Some players are currently without clubs. Others have only just completed transfers and have not played enough competitive minutes. A few are returning from long-term injuries and are still short of full match fitness.
He has not slammed the door. He has simply drawn a line for this window. Once those players regain their sharpness and rhythm, the national team remains an option.
For now, the message is blunt: perform, stay fit, and you play.
Uganda now heads into a crucial stretch with four games in 16 days, a refreshed squad and a coach unafraid to make hard calls. Tunisia away will show how ready this group really is.
