Historic Uganda U17 Men’s National Team forward James Bogere is on the verge of opening a new chapter in his fast-rising career after being named in the final Uganda Cranes squad for AFCON 2025, set to take place in Morocco from Sunday, 21st December 2025 to Sunday, 18th January 2026.
The seventeen year old has been one of the most reliable scorers for the Uganda Cubs, finding the net 14 times in 15 matches at U17 level. His goals came across several major competitions: the CAF U17 AFCON – CECAFA Qualifiers hosted in Uganda in 2024, the CAF U17 AFCON in Morocco in March 2025, the pre-U17 World Cup friendly matches during the Dubai Youth Challenge in October 2025, and the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar in November 2025.
Breakdown of appearances and goals
U17 CECAFA Qualifiers: 4 matches – 7 goals
U17 AFCON: 4 matches – 3 goals
U17 International Friendlies: 3 matches – 2 goals
U17 World Cup: 4 matches – 2 goals
Total: 15 matches – 14 goals
At the U17 CECAFA Qualifiers, Bogere finished as the top scorer. During the U17 AFCON, he scored against Tanzania and then struck a memorable brace as Uganda Cubs came from behind to defeat The Gambia 2-1 in their playoff, a win that sealed qualification for the FIFA U17 World Cup. He was also named Player of the Match twice, against Tanzania and Gambia.
At the FIFA U17 World Cup, Bogere wrote history by scoring Uganda’s first-ever goal at the tournament, against Canada. He later netted a crucial beauty in a 1-0 victory over France in the final group match, a result that sent Uganda Cubs out of the group into the round of 32.
Bogere is a highly motivated striker who sees scoring as his main duty. For him, goals only truly matter when they lead to victory. This mindset was clear after the Canada match at the U17 World Cup. Despite scoring, Uganda lost 3-1, and an emotional Bogere struggled to hold back tears before saying:
‘It would have been better if we won the game. Yes, I scored, but for me personally, it matters a lot when the team wins. I scored, but what matters most is winning.’
James Bogere hails from Jinja, born to Ms Ajambo Jane and the late Hannington Sengero, from Wailaka Village, where his mother still lives. He studies at Blessed Sacrament Kimanya Secondary School in Masaka and previously featured for Masaka Sunshine FC. He was recently signed by Denmark’s AGF Bold Football Club from El Cambio Academy, where he has been developed for a long time. Away from football, he enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Joseph Put first noticed Bogere’s potential during the U17 AFCON – CECAFA Qualifiers and included him in the Uganda Cranes squad for CHAN. However, the tournament was postponed, and by the time it was played, Bogere was injured.
Now he returns, fresh from the World Youth stage, and landing on a much bigger stage, ready to test himself against Africa’s best at a tender age. His inclusion in the starting XI during a pre-tournament friendly against AS FAR Rabat in Morocco underlines the coach’s confidence in him.
‘Bogere is a great talent and has got potential. I think he deserves a spot on the squad’ commented Put
The young striker makes the final squad alongside experienced forwards such as Steven Mukwala, Denis Omedi, Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Ikpeazu, Jude Ssemugabi, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Shafik Nana Kwikiriza, Lorenzen Melvyn and Reagan Mpande.
If his past is anything to go by, the young goal poacher is ready for the challenge.
