The StarTimes Uganda Premier League (SUPL) has contributed the highest number of players to the national team that will represent the country in two upcoming international friendlies.
Of the final 24 players that left for Mali on Tuesday morning, 14 play their football in the SUPL.
Joel Mutakubwa of BUL FC and Vipers SC’s Jack Komakech will battle for the gloves against South Africa based Ismail Watenga.
Five out of nine defenders called up also play in Uganda’s top-flight league.
Four out of seven midfielders and three of five attackers, all plying their trade domestically, complete the Cranes squad.
The icing on the cake is that the coaching staff led by SC Villa assistant coach Morley Byekwaso, and helped by URA’s deputy coach Fred Muhumuza, also work in the SUPL.
Byekwaso and his team are contracted to oversee Uganda’s two international friendlies for up to October 31 as FUFA continues the search for a permanent Cranes manager.
Uganda face Mali in an international friendly on Friday before proceeding to the UAE to take on Zambia on Tuesday, October 17.
Uganda, Mali and Zambia are using these friendlies during this international break to prepare for their respective 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Uganda start their World Cup journey away to Guinea on November 13 before facing off with Somalia seven days later.
Cranes squad for the two international friendly games
Goalkeepers
Ismail Bin Rashid Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (Hapoel Tel Aviv FC, Israel), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers SC, Uganda), Hudu Mulikyi (URA FC, Uganda), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC, Uganda)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga FC, Tanzania), Rogers Mugisha (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya), Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa, Uganda), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC, Uganda), Laban Tibiita (URA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA), Arafat Kizza Usama (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Forwards
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Egypt), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Lawrence Tezikya (BUL FC, Uganda), Rogers Kassim Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey)