Denis Onyango headlines Uganda squad for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced the Uganda Cranes squad for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, with several high-profile returnees set to bolster the team. The announcement was made today at FUFA House in Mengo.

Uganda will face Mozambique on 5 September 2025 before playing Somalia on 8 September 2025 in crucial back-to-back qualifiers, both at Mandela national stadium, Namboole.

One of the most notable names in the 28-man squad is goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who makes a high-profile return from retirement. The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper brings a wealth of experience to the squad.

The squad also includes 11 locally-based players who featured in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), highlighting FUFA’s commitment to rewarding homegrown talent.

Players such as Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Denis Omedi (APR FC), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), and Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa) are expected to make significant contributions.

Notable Returnees and Overseas-Based Stars
Vietnam-based forward Joseph Mpande makes a remarkable return to the national team after more than a decade, while forward Uchechukwu Ikpeazu receives another call-up, leaving fans eagerly anticipating whether he will honor the invitation this time.

Defender Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany) is also summoned, strengthening Uganda’s defensive options. Left back Jordan Obita, who debuted during the previous international break in Morocco against Cameroon, has been recalled as well.

The squad balances seasoned internationals and emerging talents from both local and overseas clubs, aiming to strike the perfect mix of experience, flair, and youthful energy.

Full Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers

• Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
• Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)
• Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)
• Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)

Defenders

• Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland)
• Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany)
• Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania)
• Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)
• Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England)
• Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda)
• Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland)
• Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic)
• Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda)
• Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders

• Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda)
• Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait)
• Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda)
• Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda)
• Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)

Forwards
• Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda)
• Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
• Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam)
• Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia)
• Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda)
• Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda)
• John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens, Sweden)
• Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda)
• Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland)