Bogere, Owori lead fresh faces in Uganda’s preliminary AFCON 2025 squad

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put unveiled a 30-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, unveiling a balanced group that mixes emerging talents with trusted campaigners.

Put, who has overseen Uganda’s qualification journeys across the AFCON, World Cup and CHAN cycles, has once again shown faith in players who have featured consistently under his tenure while also opening the door for new energy within the team.

One of the most notable inclusions is James Bogere, the teenage sensation who lit up the U17 World Cup in Qatar with two goals against France and Canada.

Uganda is drawn in highly competitive Group C

His performances for the Uganda Cubs have earned him a place among the country’s top senior prospects and Put has rewarded that promise with a call-up to the senior preliminary squad.

There is further excitement with the return of Alhassan Baba and Melvyn Lorenzen, both of whom impressed during their Uganda Cranes debuts in November’s international friendlies against Morocco and Chad.

Their elevation signals Put’s growing trust in the pair ahead of AFCON.

Leadership is also represented, with SC Villa captain David Owori joining the defensive ranks, while KCCA FC goalkeeper Charles Lukwago boosts competition in the goalkeeping department.

The Cranes are expected to depart for Morocco on Sunday for an 11-day training camp in Casablanca, where final preparations will be held.

Uganda is drawn in the highly competitive Group C alongside Tunisia, Nigeria, and Tanzania. The team opens its AFCON campaign against Tunisia on 23rd December 2025.

Uganda Cranes Provisional AFCON Squad

Goalkeepers

Magoola Salim Omar – Richards Bay FC (South Africa)
Onyango Denis – Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa)
Alionzi Nafian – Defense Forces FC (Ethiopia)
Lukwago Charles – KCCA FC (Uganda)

Defenders

Sibbick Toby – Burton Albion FC (England)
Caprodossi Elio – FC Universitatea Cluj (Romania)
Obita Jordan – Hibernian FC (Scotland)
Torach Rogers – Vipers SC (Uganda)
Kayondo Abdu Azizi – FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic)
Mulembe Isaac – Viktoria Zizkov (Czech Republic)
Awany Timothy – FC Ashdod (Israel)
Owori David – SC Villa (Uganda)
Mukundane Hilary – Vipers SC (Uganda)

Midfielders

Semakula Kenneth – Al-Adalah FC (Saudi Arabia)
Aucho Khalid – Singida Black Stars SC (Tanzania)
Ssekiganda Ronald – APR FC (Rwanda)
Byaruhanga Bobosi – Oakland Roots SC (USA)
Alhassan Baba – FCSB (Romania)

Forwards

Okello Allan – Vipers SC (Uganda)
Melyvn Lorenzen – Muangthong United FC (Thailand)
Mutyaba Travis – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)
Omedi Denis – APR FC (Rwanda)
Mato Rogers – FK Vardar (North Macedonia)
Mpande Reagan – SC Villa (Uganda)
Ssemugabi Jude – Jamus FC (South Sudan)
Ikpeazu Uchechukwu – St. Johnstone FC (Scotland)
Mukwala Steven – Simba SC (Tanzania)
Bogere James – Masaka Sunshine FC (Uganda)
Ahimbisibwe Ivan – KCCA FC (Uganda)
Kwikiriza Shafik Nana – KCCA FC (Uganda)