Uganda’s Group Fixtures – CHAN 2024 at Namboole:
4th August vs Algeria – 8:00 PM
8th August vs Guinea
11th August vs Niger
18th August vs South Africa
Uganda Cranes head coach Morley Byekwaso has unveiled a 25-man squad for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) today at FUFA house in Mengo, with midfield maestro Allan Okello appointed as team captain. The gaffer also laid out a bold ambition — to guide Uganda beyond the group stage and push deep into the tournament for the first time ever.
The announcement was made during a squad unveiling ceremony ahead of Uganda’s group stage matches, all set to be played at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. Okello will be deputised by goalkeeper Joel Mutakubwa and defender Rodgers Ochaki Torach.
“Allow me announce my three captains that will have the capability to lead others,” said Byekwaso. “The first captain is Allan Okello, the second is Joel Mutakubwa, and the third is Rodgers Ochaki Torach. Our target is to qualify from the group. It’s not an easy task, but with extra effort and focus, we believe we can overcome our tough opponents.”
Okello, now tasked with leading the team both on and off the pitch, expressed readiness and urged fans to rally behind the Cranes. “I just want to tell everyone out there that we are quite ready,” Okello said. “We’ve been training well. Everyone is working hard. We are ready to make history and achieve our team’s goal.”
The Cranes skipper also made a passionate appeal to fans to fill Namboole when they open their campaign against Algeria. “I call upon all fans to come and support us on 4th August against Algeria. Your energy motivates us and helps us win games.”
Byekwaso concluded by reiterating that the squad was selected based on talent, discipline, and ambition. “We have a dream of reaching far in this tournament. Me and my technical team believe this group of players can represent the nation and push us towards that dream.”
With the tournament fast approaching, all eyes are now on the Cranes to see if Byekwaso’s vision and Okello’s leadership can deliver Uganda’s best-ever CHAN performance.
Full Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
1. Dennis Kigundu (Vipers SC)
2. Joel Mutakubwa (Bul FC)
3. Chrisoua Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders:
2. Arnold Odongo (SC Villa)
3. Nicholas Meere (Bul FC)
4. Gideon Odongo (NEC FC)
5. Herbert Achai (KCCA FC)
13. Rodgers Ochaki Torach (Vipers SC)
15. Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC)
16. Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
22. Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC)
Midfielders:
6. Joseph Marvin Youngman (Vipers SC)
8. Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa)
10. Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
21. Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
23. Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
24. Enock Sebagala (Vipers SC)
25. Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)
Forwards:
7. Jude Semugabi (Kitara FC)
9. Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC)
11. Arafat Kiza Usama (KCCA FC)
12. Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC)
14. Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
17. Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)
20. Shafick Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
