By Spy Uganda
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 28-man squad ahead of two high-profile international friendlies set to take place in Marrakech, Morocco. The Cranes will face African football giants Cameroon on Friday, 6th June, before taking on The Gambia on Monday, 9th June 2025, as part of their ongoing preparations for upcoming international competitions.
The squad announcement reflects a strategic balance between domestic and international talent. Of the 28 players called up, 12 are locally-based, plying their trade in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League, while the remaining players are drawn from clubs abroad, showcasing Uganda’s growing footballing footprint on the global stage.
Coach Put emphasized that the matches will provide an important opportunity to evaluate player form, build team cohesion, and finalize tactical preparations for future competitive fixtures.
The locally-based players, along with team officials, are scheduled to assemble at FUFA House in Mengo on Monday, 2nd June 2025, at 12:00 PM, before traveling to Marrakech later that day. Foreign-based players will join the squad directly in Morocco.
Match Fixtures in Morocco:
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Friday, 6th June 2025: Cameroon vs Uganda – Kick-off at 20:00HRS (10:00 PM EAT)
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Monday, 9th June 2025: Uganda vs Gambia – Kick-off at 16:00HRS (6:00 PM EAT)
Full Uganda Cranes Squad
Goalkeepers:
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda), Hannington Sebwalunyo (NEC FC, Uganda).
Defenders:
Elvis Bwomono (St Mirren FC, Scotland), Nico Wadada (Vipers SC, Uganda), Elio Capradossi (AS Cittadella, Italy), Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Wigan Athletic FC, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC, Scotland), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic).
Midfielders:
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africain, Tunisia), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France).
Forwards:
Dennis Omedi and Hakim Kiwanuka (both APR FC, Rwanda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Usama Arafat (KCCA FC, Uganda), John Paul Dembe (AC Hacken, Sweden), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC, Uganda).
These friendlies will serve as a critical test for Coach Put and his technical team as they assess squad depth and build momentum ahead of Uganda’s next competitive fixtures. With Cameroon and Gambia offering strong opposition, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to gauge the Cranes’ form and future prospects.
