Who from UPL will represent Uganda at AFCON 2025?

Uganda head coach Paul Joseph Put leaned on domestic excellence, naming six Uganda Premier League-based players in his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

At the heart of Put’s selection is last season’s league golden boot winner Allan Okello, whose 19-goal haul for Vipers SC powered him back into the continental spotlight.

The attacking midfielder is set for his AFCON debut, a reward for a prolific campaign that underlined his growing influence at the top level.

Joining Okello in attack is Ivan Ahimbisibwe, another proven scorer on the local scene. Ahimbisibwe finished last season with 16 league goals while at URA FC and has carried that momentum to KCCA FC, where he has already netted five times this term.

Uganda are drawn into a demanding Group C

Defensively, the Cranes retain familiarity and cohesion with the inclusion of Vipers SC centre-back pairing Hilary Mukundane and Rogers Torach. The duo impressed together during Uganda’s CHAN campaign and once again earn Put’s trust on the biggest stage.

SC Villa’s Reagan Mpande also makes the cut following a standout showing at the 2024 CHAN tournament hosted in East Africa, while KCCA FC winger Shafik Nana Kwikiriza completes the list of UPL representatives after consistent performances on the flank.

Notably absent, however, are club captains Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC) and David Owori (SC Villa), both of whom missed out on the final selection for the continental showpiece.

Uganda were drawn into a demanding Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania. The Cranes will open their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tunisia on December 23, targeting a strong start in a tightly contested group.

UGANDA CRANES – AFCON 2025 FINAL SQUAD

Goalkeepers:

Alionzi Nafian Legason
Denis Onyango
Magoola Salim

Defenders:

Rogers Torach
Timothy Awany
Kenneth Semakula
Toby Sibbick
Elio Capradossi
Jordan Obita
Isaac Muleme
Aziz Kayondo
Hilary Mukundane

Midfielders:

Bobosi Byaruhanga
Khalid Aucho
Travis Mutyaba
Baba Al Hassan
Ronald Ssekiganda
Allan Okello

Forwards:

Rogers Mato
Uchechukwu Ikpeazu
Steven Mukwala
Denis Omedi
Reagan Mpande
Jude Ssemugabi
James Bogere
Shafik Nana Kwikiriza
Lorenzen Melvyn
Ivan Ahimbisibwe

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