Uganda Cranes Head Coach, Paul Joseph Put, has unveiled a provisional squad of 36 players as part of preparations for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The announcement was made during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the FUFA Complex in Mengo, Kampala.
The squad includes four goalkeepers, twelve defenders, ten midfielders, and ten forwards, carefully selected to provide balance and depth.
Among the notable inclusions are James Bogere, Brian Ijara, and Isima Magala, who recently played key roles in guiding the Uganda U17 National Team to AFCON qualification.
Their selection marks a significant step in their budding careers.
Training Schedule and Assessment
The team will commence training on Friday, January 10, with non-residential sessions running through the weekend.
On Monday, January 13, the squad will transition to a residential camp at the Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisasi.
Coach Put highlighted that the initial three days of training will focus on assessing the players, after which the squad will be trimmed to 26.
“We will use Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to evaluate the players before narrowing the group to 26. However, those not retained in the camp will still follow our program to stay prepared and on alert,” he explained.
Opportunities for Young Talent
Addressing the inclusion of teenage players, the coach emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for young talent to showcase their abilities at a higher level.
“I believe these young players have what it takes to compete, and this platform offers them a chance to demonstrate their skills. We’ve seen players of their age perform for senior teams, so this is their moment to shine,” Coach Put added.
International Friendlies and CHAN 2024
To further prepare for the tournament, the team will participate in two international friendlies, scheduled for January 17 and a week later.
CHAN 2024 is set to take place from February 1–28, 2025, across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
- Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC)
- Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC)
- Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
- Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders
- Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC)
- Gideon Odongo (NEC FC)
- Moses Aliro (URA FC)
- Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC)
- Enock Walusimbi (URA FC)
- Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
- Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
- Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
- Walter Ochora (BUL FC)
- James Begisa Penza (URA FC)
- Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
- Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Midfielders
- Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
- Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC)
- Ibrahim Thembo (NEC FC)
- Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC)
- Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa)
- Allan Okello (Vipers SC)
- Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC)
- Brian Ijara (KCCA FC)
- Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa)
- Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC)
Forwards
- Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa)
- Milton Karisa (Vipers SC)
- Denis Omedi (Kitara FC)
- Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
- Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
- Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC)
- Isaac Ogwang (Police FC)
- James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC)
- Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC)
- Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)
