By Musa Kikuuno – Busoga Times
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has named a 28-man squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Cameroon and The Gambia, but the headlines are dominated by the surprise omission of captain Khalid Aucho.
Aucho, who plies his trade at Simba SC in Tanzania, will miss the two high-profile matches scheduled for early June in Morocco, raising eyebrows ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Cranes will face Cameroon on Friday, 6th June, at 10 PM and then take on The Gambia on Monday, 9th June, at 6 PM, with both games offering valuable preparation for the team’s competitive commitments.
Notable Inclusions and Omissions
The squad includes 16 foreign-based players and 12 from the Uganda Premier League, signalling a blend of experience and emerging talent.
Among the fresh highlights is the return of Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, the KCCA FC forward who earns another national team call-up after his recent top form in the domestic league.
Also earning a first-time nod is Jordan Obita, a 31-year-old left-back playing for Hibernian FC in the Scottish Premiership, while Nicholas Wadada makes a long-awaited return after years of national team absence. Wadada’s recent performances with Vipers SC, helping them win the 2024/25 Uganda Premier League title, have clearly impressed coach Put.
However, notable absentees alongside Aucho include Aziz Kayondo and Halid Lwaliwa, both regulars in previous squads.
Full Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
Isima Watenga, Nafian Alionzi, Joel Mutakubwa, Hannington Sebwalunyo
Defenders:
Elvis Bwomono, Nicholas Wadada, Elio Capradossi, Arnold Odong, Toby Sibbick, Hilary Mukundane, Jordan Obita, Isaac Muleme
Midfielders:
Bobosi Byaruhanga, Kenneth Semakula, Allan Oyirwoth, Enock Ssebagala, Abdu Karim Watambala, Allan Okello, Travis Mutyaba
Forwards:
Dennis Omedi, Hakim Kiwanuka, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Rogers Mato, Steven Mukwala, Usama Arafat, John Paul Dembe, Patrick Jonah Kakande, Ivan Ahimbisibwe
The local-based players are expected to travel to Morocco on Monday 2nd June, where they’ll link up with the foreign-based contingent for final preparations.
With major qualifiers looming, these friendlies will offer Coach Put a vital opportunity to assess squad depth and shape the team’s strategy. While the omission of senior figures like Aucho may surprise fans, the inclusion of promising talents like Kwikiriza shows a clear sign of transition and trust in youth.
