Paul Put Names Uganda Cranes Squad for Crucial June Friendlies in Morocc

 The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has announced a robust Uganda Cranes squad ahead of two crucial international friendly matches lined up for the June 2026 FIFA international window.

The Cranes are scheduled to travel to Marrakech, Morocco, where they will face East African rivals Tanzania on June 5, followed by a clash against Madagascar on June 8.

According to FUFA Corporate Affairs Director Ahmed Hussein, these fixtures are carefully designed to give head coach Paul Put and his technical bench a prime opportunity to experiment with squad depth, evaluate incoming talent, and fine-tune tactics.

The Grand Objective: PAMOJA AFCON 2027

While these matches serve as immediate preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification fixtures starting in September, Uganda finds itself in a unique position. Following the official group stage draw in Cairo, the Cranes were placed in Group H alongside Tunisia, Libya, and Botswana.

Because Uganda is co-hosting the historic AFCON 2027 tournament alongside Kenya and Tanzania, they have already earned an automatic qualification spot. However, Coach Paul Put is adamant about treating the qualification cycle with absolute seriousness. Facing high-caliber opposition like World Cup veterans Tunisia in the group stage means the Cranes cannot afford to slow down. The training camp in Marrakech is the first vital stepping stone toward building a squad capable of competing at the highest continental level on home soil.

Uganda Cranes Squad Breakdown

Coach Paul Put has assembled a balanced 28-man roster featuring seasoned veterans, steady midfield anchors, and a highly competitive attacking department.

Goalkeepers: Experience Between the Sticks

The goalkeeping department relies heavily on the veteran leadership of Denis Onyango, who continues to bring invaluable top-flight experience from Mamelodi Sundowns. He is supported by the reliable Salim Jamal Magoola and Alionzi Nafian Legason, ensuring excellent depth in goal.

• Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns F.C.)

• Salim Jamal Magoola (Richards Bay F.C.)

• Alionzi Nafian Legason

Defenders: A Mix of European and Local Talents

The backline features exciting international inclusions, such as Burton Albion's Toby Sibbick and FC Universitatea Cluj's Elio Capradossi, alongside regular mainstays like Jordan Obita and Aziz Kayondo. Put will likely use the friendlies to establish a cohesive center-back pairing.

• Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion F.C.)

• Elio Capradossi (FC Universitatea Cluj)

• Jordan Obita (Hibernian F.C.)

• Timothy Dennis Awany

• Kenneth Semakula

• Aziz Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec)

• Hilary Mukundane

• Rogers Torach

• Isaac Muleme

Midfielders: Creative Spark and Physicality

The midfield engine room will rely on the veteran presence of Khalid Aucho alongside creative assets like Allan Okello and Travis Mutyaba. The technical team will look to control the tempo of both games through this versatile group.

• Allan Okello

• Baba Alhassan (FCSB)

• Bobosi Byaruhanga

• Travis Mutyaba

• Ronald Ssekiganda

• Khalid Aucho

Forwards: Firepower up Front

The attacking third is heavily stacked, highlighting Put's desire for goals. Hearts' star Rogers Mato, Steven Mukwala, and Danish-based forward James Bogere lead an offensive line that balances raw physicality with clinical finishing.

• Steven Mukwala

• Shafik Nana Kwikiriza

• Rogers Mato (Heart of Midlothian F.C.)

• Jude Ssemugabi

• Denis Omedi

• Reagan Mpande

• Ivan Ahimbisibwe

• James Bogere (Aarhus Gymnastikforening)

• Uche Ikpeazu (St Johnstone F.C. / Ross County F.C.)

• Melvyn Lorenzen

"The matches will provide the technical team with an opportunity to further assess the squad and build competitiveness ahead of AFCON 2027 Qualifiers and future CAF and FIFA competitions."

— Official Statement, FUFA

Match Schedule

FUFA has indicated that further logistical information, including exact kick-off times and specific stadium designations in Marrakech, will be communicated in the coming days.