Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put has injected youthful flair and intrigue into his provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after awarding teenage forward James Bogere his first-ever senior national team call-up.
The gifted youngster, fresh from a standout display at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, where he netted confidently against France and Canada now finds himself on the brink of one of Africa’s grandest football stages.
Put unveiled a 30-man squad, largely comprising players who have featured consistently in recent AFCON qualifiers, World Cup qualifying fixtures, and the 2024 CHAN tournament.
Yet, Bogere’s inclusion remains the headline-grabber, offering Cranes fans a glimpse into the national team’s emerging generation.
Another notable return is Melvyn Lorenzen, who rejoins the fold after making appearances in recent friendlies, his first meaningful involvement with the Cranes since his 2016 debut against Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, midfielder Alhassan Baba, who earned his first senior caps in friendlies against Morocco and Chad, receives a second opportunity to impress.
All three will now battle for places among the final 28 slots as Put trims down his squad ahead of the continental showpiece.
The Cranes are set to depart for Casablanca, Morocco, on Sunday for an intensive 11-day training camp that will include two international friendlies as part of their final preparations.
Uganda Cranes Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
Magoola Salim Omar – Richards Bay FC (South Africa)
Onyango Denis – Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa)
Alionzi Nafian – Defense Forces FC (Ethiopia)
Lukwago Charles – KCCA FC (Uganda)
Defenders
- Sibbick Toby – Burton Albion FC (England)
- Caprodossi Elio – Universitatea Cluj (Romania)
- Obita Jordan – Hibernian FC (Scotland)
- Torach Rogers – Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Kayondo Abdu Azizi – Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic)
- Muleme Isaac – Viktoria Zizkov (Czech Republic)
- Awany Timothy – FC Ashdod (Israel)
- Owori David – SC Villa (Uganda)
- Mukundane Hilary – Vipers SC (Uganda)
Midfielders
- Semakula Kenneth – Al-Adalah FC (Saudi Arabia)
- Aucho Khalid – Singida Black Stars SC (Tanzania)
- Ssekiagndra Ronald – APR FC (Rwanda)
- Byaruhanga Bobosi – Oakland Roots SC (USA)
- Alhassan Baba – FCSB (Romania)
Forwards
- Okello Allan – Vipers SC (Uganda)
- Melvyn Lorenzen – Muangthong United FC (Thailand)
- Mutyaba Travis – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)
- Omedi Denis – APR FC (Rwanda)
- Mato Rogers – FK Vardar (North Macedonia)
- Mpande Reagan – SC Villa (Uganda)
- Ssemugabi Jude – Jamus FC (South Sudan)
- Ikpeazu Uchechukwu – St. Johnstone FC (Scotland)
- Mukwala Steven – Simba SC (Tanzania)
- Bogere James – Masaka Sunshine FC (Uganda)
- Ahimbisibwe Ivan – KCCA FC (Uganda)
- Kwikiriza Shafik Nana – KCCA FC (Uganda)
Head Coach: Paul Joseph Put
Put will confirm his final AFCON squad before the tournament kicks off on 21 December, running until 18 January 2026. Uganda has been placed in a challenging Group C, alongside continental heavyweights Nigeria, Tunisia, and East African rivals Tanzania.