Uganda Cranes Squad for September-October Matches

Paul Put has laid down his marker.

The Uganda Cranes head coach has named a 28-man squad for a demanding September–October international window that will test his new project against Tunisia, Libya and DR Congo, and sharpen the team’s path towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Uganda travel to face Tunisia away on September 24, then return home to host Libya on September 29 in AFCON 2027 qualifying. Once the competitive dust settles, DR Congo await in back-to-back friendlies on October 2 and 5. Four games in 16 days. No hiding places.

Onyango returns to anchor experienced core

In goal, Put has turned to a familiar, towering presence. Denis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns is back in the squad, joined by David Lukwago of SC Villa and Hannington Ssebwalunyo of NEC FC. It is a blend of pedigree, local form and a clear message: competition for the gloves is very real.

Behind them, the defensive options show how wide Put has cast his net.

Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Jonathan Odongo (UPPC) and Rogers Torach (CS Constantine) headline a back line that mixes foreign-based steel with homegrown grit. On the flanks and in wider roles, Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC) and Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg) bring mobility and European experience.

Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City), Geofrey Lubanga Kene (SC Villa), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC) and Gavin Kizito (Nairobi United) complete a defensive unit that looks built for rotation across the four-match block.

Midfield balance and attacking depth

In midfield, Put has opted for a compact, flexible group.

Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor), Noble Okello (Lexington SC) and Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria) give him a spine that can screen, build and press. Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United) add energy and forward thrust, hinting at a side that will not sit back, even against Tunisia away.

Up front, the list is long and loaded.

James Bogere (AGF), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia) and Rogers Mato (Hearts) headline a forward line scattered across Europe and East Africa. Hassan Mubiru (Azam), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks), Steven Mukwala (Al Nasr), Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and Frank Ssebufu (SC Villa) give Put a variety of profiles: runners in behind, physical targets, wide forwards and penalty-box finishers.

One forward was listed in the FUFA announcement only by his club, AS FAR of Morocco, with no name attached in the initial communication. Even in that small detail, the sense of a squad in transition lingers.

Big absentees and a clear warning

If the inclusions tell one story, the omissions tell another.

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

The Belgian did not hide the reasons. Some of those players are currently without clubs. Others have only just completed transfers and lack minutes. A few are coming back from long-term injuries and are not yet at full match fitness.

Form, fitness, commitment. Those were the pillars Put highlighted as he defended his choices and described this as a “competitive” international window. The message is blunt: reputation alone will not guarantee a place.

At the same time, he left the door open. Once the sidelined regulars regain sharpness and rhythm, they can fight their way back into the Cranes setup.

For now, though, this is his group. Four matches between September 21 and October 6, two crucial AFCON qualifiers and two stern friendlies. By the end of this window, Uganda will know a lot more about who is ready to carry them towards 2027 — and who has been left behind.