Bobosi and Oyirwoth return to Uganda Cranes squad for decisive World Cup qualifiers

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, with pivotal away fixtures against Botswana on October 9 and Algeria on October 14.

The biggest headline is the return of United States-based midfielders Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots) and Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution). Their inclusion is expected to inject much-needed creativity, stability, and international experience in Uganda’s midfield as the team faces two high-stakes encounters.

Put has, however, made several changes from the group that featured in June’s home fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia at Namboole. Notably, Joel Mutakubwa, Elvis Bwomono, Karim Watambala, Patrick Jonah Kakande, and John Paul Dembe have been omitted from the current squad.

According to FUFA, the local-based players will depart for camp on Sunday morning before being joined by their foreign-based counterparts.

Group G Standings Ahead of October Fixtures

1- Algeria – 19 points
2- Uganda – 15 points
3- Mozambique – 15 points
4- Guinea – 11 points
5- Botswana – 9 points
6- Somalia – 1 point

With Uganda sitting second in Group G, level on points with Mozambique and four behind leaders Algeria, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Only the group winner secures direct qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the four best runners-up across the nine groups will enter a playoff for a slot in the inter-confederation playoffs.

Full Uganda Cranes Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Salim Jamal (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia)

Defenders:
Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders:
Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)

Forwards:
Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Denis Omedi (APR, Rwanda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus, South Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.