The Men’s Youth Teams Head Coach Laryea Kingston has named the final travelling squad for the CECAFA U17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers which will take place in Ethiopia starting this Saturday.
The final twenty three players were selected from the team that has been undergoing intensive residential training at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru and in Kampala.
In the matches to be played between 15th November 2025 and 2nd December 2025 the defending champions Uganda are placed in Group B together with Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan and Djibouti. According to the fixtures that have been released Uganda will play their first group match against Burundi on 15th November 2025 then face Sudan on 18th November 2025 and Tanzania on 21st November 2025 before taking a six day break ahead of the final group game against Djibouti on 27th November 2025. All matches will be played at Dire Dawa Stadium.
Kingston expressed confidence in the readiness of his team saying
‘It has been good so far and we have managed to put something together. The regional scouts did a marvellous job and brought in a lot of quality players. We have so much talent in this group.’
He added that the final sessions before departure showed strong signs of readiness saying
‘Our last training session before travelling has been amazing. Everybody looks very sharp from the warm up to the technical drills and the game situations. I have so much confidence in the team. They are performing very well.’
Kingston concluded that the target is clear
‘Our expectation in this competition is to make sure we qualify. We are going to take it a game at a time but we are looking forward to a good tournament and getting the first three points against Burundi.’
FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson also appreciated the work done in the preparations and encouraged the players to give their best saying
‘Thank you for the wonderful training you have shown. I have watched your sessions and I am impressed with the energy and God given talent. If you continue with this level you will produce good results for Uganda.’
Watson reminded the team of the responsibility they carry saying
‘You are here not as individuals but as Uganda. My appeal is that you give your best and listen to the coaches because Ugandans will see and understand what you are doing. You are the future of Uganda and the future Uganda Cranes.’
He further pledged continued support from FUFA saying
‘At FUFA we shall support you because we are not only looking at this tournament but the future competitions as well. Your performance will determine how far you go but we strongly believe you are in the right place.’
The Uganda contingent of players and officials will depart from Entebbe International Airport for Ethiopia in the early morning of 11th November 2025.
Uganda Cubs CECAFA schedule
Burundi versus Uganda, 15th November 2025.
Sudan versus Uganda, 18th November 2025.
Uganda versus Tanzania, 21st November 2025.
Uganda versus Djibouti, 27th November 2025.
Uganda Cubs squad
Goalkeepers. Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars Junior Team), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC SA), Richard Mukisa (NEC Junior Team).
Defenders. Shakur Ngobi (Greenlight Islamic School), Travor Mubiru (Vipers Junior Team), Abud Shafikie Ukasha (KCCA FC SA), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Joseph Langol (Paorinher Soccer Academy), Eze Kombi (Amus College School), Enock Ssali Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Hilal Ajiga (Amus College School).
Midfielders. Henry Muhoozi (Amus College School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio), Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers Junior Team), Abdul Shakur Babi (Buddo SS), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (Rays of Grace), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Program).
Strikers. Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC), Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC).
Officials
Magoola Issa Kakaire – Leader of Delegation
Laryea Kingston – Head Coach
Bengo Steven – Assistant Coach
Ibrahim Juma Sadam – Assistant Coach
Mugabi Yasin – Goalkeeping Coach
Laktabai Edwin Kibet – Performance Coach
Oryem Jolly Joe Innocent – Team Doctor
Kebba Rashid – Physiotherapist
Katende Jerome Raymond – Team Manager
Byamukama Aloysius – Team Media Officer
Senfuka Patrick – Kits Man
Tumusiime Vincent – Local Safeguarding Officer
