A FUFA Media graphic showing coach Paul Put's contract extension.

Overview:

Paul Put names a 28-man squad for Morocco friendlies after extending his Uganda Cranes contract until 2028.

Uganda Cranes international friendlies

Nov 15: Uganda vs Chad 

Nov 19: Morocco vs Uganda

Afcon 2025

Uganda’s Group C matches

Dec 23: Tunisia vs Uganda

Dec 27: Uganda vs Tanzania

Dec 30: Uganda vs Nigeria

The StarTimes Uganda Premier League (UPL) will have strong representation in the national team once again, with nine players from local clubs named in the latest Uganda Cranes squad announced by head coach Paul Put on Thursday.

A FUFA Media graphic showing coach Paul Put’s contract extension.

The selection came moments after FUFA confirmed that the Belgian had signed a new contract running until 2028, ending weeks of speculation about his future.

Put’s 28-man team will travel to Morocco for two international friendlies — against Chad on November 15 and hosts Morocco on November 19 — as part of preparations for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025).

The local contingent is led by Vipers SC foursome of Allan Okello, Denis Kiggundu, Rogers Torach, and Hilary Mukundane — alongside BUL goalkeeper Tom Ikara, KCCA pair Herbert Achayi and Shafik Kwikiriza.

Allan Okello of Vipers (Background) and Paul Put at a Cranes training.

Others are URA defender Moses Alio, and SC Villa’s Reagan Mpande. 

Veteran Denis Onyango, defender Elio Capradossi and midfield anchor Khalid Aucho headline the foreign-based group, with winger Melvyn Lorenzen also returning to the fold.

Put, who guided Uganda back to the Afcon finals after a six-year absence, has emphasized balancing youth and experience as the team prepares for its Group C fixtures against Tunisia (Dec 23), Tanzania (Dec 27), and Nigeria (Dec 30).

Uganda’s friendlies in Morocco will mark the Cranes’ final tune-up before the continental showpiece.

Uganda Cranes squad

Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay – S. Africa), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns – S. Africa), Tom Ikara (BUL – Uganda), Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC – Uganda)

Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion – England), Elio Capodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj – Romania), Jordan Obita (Hibernian – Scotland), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC – Uganda), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC – Uganda), Aziz Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec – Czech Rep.), Herbert Achayi (KCCA – Uganda), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod – Israel), Moses Alio (URA – Uganda)

Midfielders: Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah – Saudi Arabia), Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars SC – Tanzania), Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution – USA), Baba Al Hassan (FCV Farul Constanta – Romania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC – USA)

Forwards: Allan Okello (Vipers SC – Uganda), Melyvn Lorenzen (Muangthong Utd – Thailand), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien – Tunisia), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand – Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar – Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa – Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus – S. Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone – Scotland), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC – Tanzania), Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA – Uganda)