Uganda Cranes Prepare for AFCON 2027 with New Squad
Paul Put has laid his cards on the table. Twenty-eight players, four games, sixteen days. And a clear message: this is no gentle warm‑up for 2027.
The Uganda Cranes head coach has named a 28-man squad for a demanding September–October international window that could set the tone for the country’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 journey. Tunisia away on September 24, Libya at home on September 29, then back-to-back friendlies against DR Congo on October 2 and 5. No hiding place, no soft landings.
“It’s a competitive international window,” the Belgian stressed, satisfied with the form, fitness and commitment of those called up. His selection backs that up.
Onyango returns to anchor a reshaped core
In goal, Uganda turn again to one of their modern pillars. Denis Onyango of Mamelodi Sundowns headlines the keepers, his experience a vital anchor for a group that will be tested early and often. He is joined by David Lukwago of SC Villa and NEC FC’s Hannington Ssebwalunyo, a trio blending pedigree and local sharpness.
The back line carries a distinctly international flavour. Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion), Jonathan Odongo (UPPC) and Rogers Torach (CS Constantine) offer steel and mobility, while Aziz Kayondo of Slovan Liberec and KCCA FC’s Herbert Achayi bring thrust from the flanks. Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg) and Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City) add versatility, with SC Villa’s Geofrey Lubanga Kene, Vipers SC’s Hillary Mukundane and Nairobi United’s Gavin Kizito rounding out a defensive unit that will be thrown straight into the fire in Tunis.
Tunisia away is rarely forgiving. Put has picked defenders who can run, recover and handle pressure.
Midfield built for work and control
The midfield group is compact but purposeful. Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor) and Noble Okello (Lexington SC) bring range and physical presence, while Kenneth Semakula of Al Ittihad Alexandria offers balance between screening and distribution.
Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline FC) and Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United) complete the central options, giving Put a mix of ball carriers and organisers for a window where game management could define results. Four competitive fixtures in quick succession will stretch legs and concentration; the middle of the park will decide whether Uganda survive that test or fade.
Firepower with a new edge
Up front, Put has gone heavy on options. James Bogere (AGF), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien) and Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia) headline a forward line built to press and punish. Rogers Mato (Hearts) and Hassan Mubiru (Azam) add direct running, while Sadam Masereka of Colorado Springs Switchbacks and Al Nasr striker Steven Mukwala provide threat in behind and in the box.
Richard Basangwa (NEC FC) and SC Villa’s Frank Ssebufu also make the cut, giving the Cranes width and depth in attack. One more forward, listed only by his club AS FAR of Morocco in the FUFA announcement, completes the frontline — a reminder that this squad still carries a hint of mystery and evolution.
The message is clear: Uganda intend to attack this window, not merely endure it.
Big absentees, firm explanations
For all the names included, some of the loudest talking points come from those missing. Put confirmed that Jordan Obita and Elio Capradossi are out with injuries, while captain Khalid Aucho, Salim Jamal, Uche Ikpeazu, John Paul Dembe, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Jude Ssemugabi have also been left out.
These are not fringe figures. They are players who have shaped recent Cranes squads. Put did not hide from that. Some, he explained, are currently without clubs. Others have only just completed transfers and have not played enough minutes. A few are coming back from long-term injuries and have yet to hit full match fitness.
This is not a sentimental list. It is a performance-based one.
Yet the door is not shut. Put made it clear that those omitted can force their way back once they regain fitness and rhythm. The standard has been set; the pathway remains open.
A defining stretch
The international window runs from September 21 to October 6. Four matches, two AFCON 2027 qualifiers, two friendlies, and a chance to harden a group that will carry Uganda’s hopes into the next cycle.
Tunisia away will test their resilience. Libya at home will test their control. DR Congo, twice, will test their depth and adaptability.
Put has chosen his squad. Now the question hangs over the Cranes: is this the core that can carry Uganda to 2027 on its own terms, or just the first draft of something bigger?
