Eight Premier League stars make Cranes World Cup squad

Eight players from the StarTimes Uganda Premier League have been named in the 26-man Uganda Cranes squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Botswana and Algeria.

Head Coach Paul Put’s selection sees Vipers SC contribute four players — Rogers Torach, Hilary Mukundane and Enock Ssebagala — alongside forward Allan Okello.

KCCA have two representatives in defenders Herbert Achayi and Gavin Kizito. SC Villa striker Reagan Mpande and Kitara’s Jude Ssemugabi complete the local contingent.

Uganda’s remaining World Cup qualifying group matches are away to Botswana on October 9 and Algeria five days later. 

The squad also features a strong foreign-based presence, including goalkeeper Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), defender Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), midfielder Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), and forward Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), among others.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia)

Defenders

Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders

Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution, USA), Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC, USA)

Forwards

Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)