The Uganda U17 men’s national football team, the Uganda Cubs, has intensified preparations ahead of the 2026 Africa U17 Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers CECAFA Zone Championship scheduled for Rwanda from 5th-25th October 2026.
The provisional squad of 39 players entered residential camp on Sunday 13th September 2026 at the FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru, where they have been undergoing training sessions as preparations continue for the regional tournament.
The team, under the guidance of head coach Laryea Kingston, with assistant coach Steven Bengo leading the training sessions, comprises six goalkeepers, 15 defenders, 9 midfielders and 9 forwards. The final squad to represent Uganda at the championship will be named after the assessment period.
A number of players in the provisional squad were part of the Uganda Cubs team that competed at the previous CECAFA U17 Championship in Ethiopia, where Uganda finished runners-up after a 3-2 defeat to Tanzania in the final. The team went on to qualify for the 2025 AFCON U17 tournament and later secured qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup for the second consecutive time.
The squad also features new talents identified through the FUFA Schools of Excellence programme, a flagship talent development initiative by the Federation supported by the FIFA Talent Development Scheme.
The Uganda Cubs will continue with intensive training until early October before travelling to Rwanda for the CECAFA championship.
Uganda has enjoyed success in the CECAFA U17 Championship, winning consecutive titles before finishing second to Tanzania in the previous edition. The Cubs’ performance at the regional tournament also played a key role in securing qualification for the continental championship and the FIFA U17 World Cup.
Uganda Cubs provisional squad
Goalkeepers
Godfrey Mubiru (Amus College), David Dean Ssegirinya (Rays of Grace), Reagan Kirwana (Isra Soccer Academy), Rodrick Collins Obbo (KCCA JT), Joel Ssenteza (Rays of Grace), Abdul Bast Sibwomu (BUL JT).
Defenders
Bruno Sserunkuma (Prosper Soccer Academy), Abudallah Wandera (Rays of Grace), Parcel Martin Kayiwa (URA JT), Paul Oyirwoth (Maroons Soccer Academy), Travor Ndawula (Prosper Soccer Academy), Ashraf Kyeswa (Kampala Junior Team), Shaldon Ssevume (Sparta O9), Samuku Mutawakali (Rays of Grace), Simon Otyan (STAHIZA – Ndejje Campus), Denis Male (STAHIZA – Ndejje Campus), John Kisembo (St Kagwa H/S Bushenyi), Edrine Kiddu (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Eze Kombi (Amus College), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Ukasha Jemba (KCCA JT).
Midfielders
Yusuf Ssenyonga (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Ivan Wakooli (STAHIZA – Ndejje Campus), Owen Mukisa (St Mary’s Kitende), Najib Kivumbi (Excel Soccer Academy), Brian Debo (St Kagwa H/S Bushenyi), Jeremiah Bwire (Jinja SS), Charles Ochen (Maroons Soccer Academy).
Forwards
Arafat Ibanda (Ebenezer Soccer Academy), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Hussein Lutwama (STAHIZA – Ndejje Campus), Yokoshani Gagyo (Ebenezer Soccer Academy), Derrick Mwekambi (St Kagwa H/S Bushenyi), Amos Molu (Rays of Grace), Sebastian Quinn Fisher (Patrick Thistle FC), Richard Harold Egwangu (Buckswood School Football Academy), Junior Ofoyrwoth (El Cambio Soccer Academy).
Technical team and officials
Laryea Kingston (Head Coach), Steven Bengo (First Assistant Coach), Sadam Juma Ibrahim (Second Assistant Coach), 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), Brian Umony (Team Manager).
