Uganda U-17 men’s national football team head coach Laryea Kingston has named the final squad that will represent the country at the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers CECAFA Zone Championship in Rwanda.
‘Also named to the final squad travelling to Kigali is Arsenal’s Isaiah Swaibu Matthews, who, while not going to feature in competitive action, will travel as part of FUFA’s strategic integration programme for diaspora and emerging talents, gaining invaluable international exposure within the national youth set-up ahead of future engagements, ’ confirmed FUFA Corporate Affairs Director Ahmed Hussein.
The Uganda Cubs departs today, Tuesday, 6th October 2026, ahead of the regional championship scheduled for 10th–19th October 2026.
Uganda has enjoyed success at the CECAFA U-17 Championship, winning consecutive titles before finishing second to Tanzania in the previous edition. The Cubs’ performances at the regional tournament have also played a key role in securing qualification for the continental championship and the back-to-back FIFA U-17 World Cup appearances in 2025 and 2026.
The technical team and officials accompanying the team to Rwanda are Mansoor Kabugo (Leader of Delegation), Laryea Kingston (Head Coach), Steven Bengo (First Assistant Coach), Sadam Juma Ibrahim (Second Assistant Coach), Brian Umony (Team Manager), Felix Ayobo (Fitness Coach), Kenneth Magada (Goalkeeping Coach), Emmanuel Nakabago (Team Doctor), Noah Veron Damba (Kit Manager), Vincent Tumusiime (Safeguarding Officer), Aloysius Byamukama (Media Officer)
The final squad comprises three goalkeepers, six defenders, five midfielders and six forwards.
Goalkeepers
Obbo Rodrick Collins (KCCA Junior Team), Dean David Segirinya (Rays of Grace Soccer Academy), Mubiru Godfrey (AMUS College).
Defenders
Martin Paecel Kayiwa (URA Junior Team), Sumaku Mutawakali (Rays of Grace Academy), Jemba Ukasha Abdulshafie (KCCA Junior Team), Najib Kivumbi (Excel Soccer Academy), Wandera Abudallah (Rays of Grace Soccer Academy), Shaldon Ssevume (KS Sparta 09), Isaiah Swaibu Matthews (Arsenal FC).
Midfielders
Muhoozi Henry (AMUS College), Yusuf Ssenyonga (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio Academy), Jeremiah Bwire (Jinja S.S), Joseph Ssebufuu (Kampala Junior Team).
Forwards
Harold Egwangu Richard (Buckswood School Football Academy-England), Junior Ofoyth (El Cambio Soccer Academy), Nicholas Kawooya (Budoo SS), Arafaat Ibanda (Ebenezer Soccer Academy), Sebastian Fisher (Partick Thistle).
The CECAFA Zone Championship serves as the regional qualification pathway for the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.
Uganda will be seeking to put together another strong campaign at the regional tournament and secure a place at the continental finals.
