Uganda Cubs set to defend CECAFA U17 title with fresh squad

Groups
A: Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda
B: Uganda, Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, Burundi

Uganda’s junior national football team head coach, Laryea Kingston, will lead a completely new squad as the Uganda Cubs prepare to defend their CECAFA U17 Championship title later this month in Ethiopia.

The regional tournament will run from November 15 to December 2, with matches scheduled at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa Stadium in Dire Dawa.

Despite overlapping competitions, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed that Uganda will field separate squads and technical teams to ensure full participation across all youth events.

“FUFA has prioritized youth football development since 2013 through initiatives such as the Juniors League, coach education, and consistent participation in international competitions,” FUFA said in a statement.

“This commitment is bearing fruit, with Uganda’s U17 team currently in Dubai for advanced preparations after qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2025 for the first time in history.”

Uganda has been drawn into Group B alongside Tanzania, Djibouti, Sudan, and Burundi. Group A features Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Rwanda. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the finalists competing for the championship. The top three teams will also earn qualification for the 2026 CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Kingston will be supported by assistant coaches Hamuza Lutalo, Steven Bengo, and Sadam Juma, with Yasin Mugabi serving as goalkeeping coach and Joram Katende as team manager.

All players in the provisional 30-man squad have successfully passed MRI age verification tests and will undergo training at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru before departing for Ethiopia.

Uganda enters the tournament as defending champions, having defeated Tanzania 2–1 in last year’s final at Nakivubo Stadium. Second-half goals from Arafat Nkoola and James Bogere sealed the victory.

The 2025 CECAFA U17 Championship will also serve as a qualifier for next year’s CAF U17 AFCON in Morocco, adding further stakes to Uganda’s title defence.

The provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Akisam Ndaye (Rays of Grace), Muhammad Masabo (Volf Academy), Adrian Ssemugera (Solitilo B. Stars JT), Richard Mukisa (NEC JT)

Defenders: Musa Matovu Musisi (NEC FC JT), Frank Katongole (St. Julian High School), Elisa Mukisa (St. Julian High School), Enock Mwesigwa (Volf Academy), Abulhafie Ukasha Jjemba (JCCA FC JT), Mudawakali Sumaku (Bukedea CS), Eze Kombi (Amus College), Hilala Agiga (Amus College), Musa Ssuuna (Amus College), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Trevor Mubiru (Vipers SC JT)

Midfielders: Joseph Langol (Lugazi FC JT), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Academy), Bob Jerica Atendele (Edgars Youth Academy), Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC JT), Habert Cherotim (Bukedea CS), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College), Roy Olala (Buddo SS), Ashiraf Kyakuwa (Vipers SC JT), Owen Mukisa (Vipers SC JT), Victors Kahinda (Express FC)

Forwards: Shakur Ngobi (Vipers SC JT), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Geofrey Wasswa Ssenfuka (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (St. Julian High School), Ibrahim Ali Nangalama (NEC FC JT)