The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has officially released the final 25-man squad for the Uganda Cranes ahead of the 8th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off this Saturday, August 2. The regional tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
The squad announcement marks a significant step in Uganda’s preparations as they aim to surpass their previous performances and progress beyond the group stage — a feat they have failed to achieve in their last six CHAN appearances.
Currently in residential training at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi, the team has been fine-tuning tactics under the watchful eyes of co-coaches Morely Byekwaso and Charles Ayiekoh. “We are set and ready for the tournament,” Byekwaso affirmed. “The selected players are in perfect shape to ensure we perform well and achieve our prime target of going beyond the group stage.”
Leadership and Group Fixtures
Midfield maestro Allan Okello (Vipers SC) will wear the captain’s armband, with goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC) and defender Rogers Torach (Vipers SC) serving as vice-captains.
The Uganda Cranes have been drawn into a competitive Group C alongside Algeria, Niger, Guinea, and South Africa. Their campaign begins next Monday, August 4, against Algeria, before taking on Niger, Guinea, and South Africa in the group stage.
Uganda Cranes Final CHAN 2025 Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC)
- Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
- Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders:
2. Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
3. Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
4. Gideon Odong (NEC FC)
5. Herbert Achai (KCCA FC)
13. Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
15. Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC)
16. Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
22. Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC)
Midfielders:
6. Joseph Youngman Marvin (Vipers SC)
8. Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa)
10. Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
21. Allan Okello © (Vipers SC)
23. Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
24. Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC)
25. Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)
Forwards:
7. Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
9. Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)
11. Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC)
12. Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC)
14. Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
17. Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)
20. Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
Road Ahead
With a balanced blend of experienced campaigners and emerging local talents, Uganda’s squad is considered well-equipped to compete at the highest level of the continental home-based players’ tournament. The coaching team is optimistic that the tactical cohesion, team spirit, and fan support, especially on home soil, will propel the Cranes to a historic CHAN breakthrough.
Uganda last hosted a major continental football tournament in the 1970s, and this year’s co-hosting opportunity is seen as a chance to rejuvenate national football pride.
CHAN 2025 is exclusively for players active in their national leagues, offering a platform for local stars to shine on an international stage. All eyes will now be on Uganda as they prepare to open their campaign in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
Written By Rodney Mbua
