Onyango back as Put names 2026 FWCQ squad

Uganda’s legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango is back to the national team after four years in international retirement.

The 40-year-old was named by Cranes coach Paul Put in a 28-man squad on Wednesday ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifiers resuming next month.

Uganda will take on Mozambique on September 5, 2025 before playing Somalia three days later. Both matches are at Namboole.

The squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talents from both local and overseas clubs.

But the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper, Onyango, is definitely the highlight after coming out of international retirement to bolster the Cranes’ ranks.

Joining him in goal is fellow custodian Salim Jamal, who also returns to the national setup.

Uganda’s attack will feature notable returnees including Vietnam-based forward Joseph Mpande, who makes his national team comeback after more than a decade, and Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, summoned once again.

The squad also welcomes back defender Herbert Bockhorn and left-back Jordan Obita, who impressed during his debut in the previous international break in Morocco against Cameroon.

A strong local presence is evident as 11 players from the 2024 CHAN tournament feature in the squad, reflecting the continued development and impact of home-based talent on the national team.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers

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

Defenders

Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany), Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda) and Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Midfielders

Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda) and Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)

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), John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens, Sweden), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda) and Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland)