Uganda’s preparations for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar have officially kicked off, with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) releasing an extensive 47-player provisional squad.
The team, selected by Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo, features a dynamic mix of local-based talent and promising youngsters plying their trade abroad.
Goalkeepers
Between the posts, the youthful Cranes will rely on Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC), and Edris Waibi (Buddo SS), all of whom have shown impressive consistency in their recent outings.
Defenders
The defensive unit features a diverse blend of homegrown and foreign-based players. Among them are Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Pantaleo Creti (Grasshopper Club Zürich, Switzerland), Rwahim Kato (Buddo SS), Abdul Lukenge Ntege (Maroons FC), and Ukashsha Abudshalfe Jemba (KCCA FC/Acorns International School).
See you in Qatar!
Uganda U17 Men’s National team head coach Brian Ssenyondo taking interviews on the first day of training at FUFA Stadium Kadiba in preparation for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.#FIFAU17WorldCup pic.twitter.com/gn7dUCEIiq— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 8, 2025
Other defenders include Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC), Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa (NEC FC), Hamuzza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Dickson Barasa (Buddo SS), Ronald Kigoye (Vipers SC), Regan Buduul (BUL FC), Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Canada), Yunus Vubya (Buddo SS), and Jim Frank Wasike (Vipers SC).
Midfielders
Ssenyondo’s midfield choices underline balance, creativity, and physical presence. The list includes Ibrahim Amin (Cincinnati FC, USA), Brain Jjara, Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC), Fred Junior Muhangi (Express FC), Reagan Okwii (NEC FC), and Patrick Serunjogi (KCCA FC).
Others in the middle of the park are Derrick Malinga (NEC FC), Ibra Ssebagala (Vipers SC), Joseph Langol (Lugazi FC), Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC), Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Marvin Kabitio (Vipers SC), Brian John Owino (Express FC), and Thomas Ogemaa (KCCA FC).
Also making the cut are Etham Adeleke Afuga Adreas Oyedele (Bradfield College FC, UK), Fahad Ismail (KCCA FC), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC), and Bashir Umar (Excell Soccer Academy).
FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025: Uganda Names Provisional Squad https://t.co/5CEcLpzi0f
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) October 8, 2025
Forwards
The attacking department brims with flair and hunger for goals. Among the headline names are Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Richard Okello (BUL FC), Ramathan Ssali (Kawempe Muslim SS), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive School), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), and Enock Bagenda (KCCA FC).
Completing the forward line are Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC), Mike Lwanga (Free Agent), Ikhlas Mutebi (FC Augsburg, Germany), and Shafic Kaweesi (Lungujja Galaxy FC).
The provisional squad will enter a residential training camp later this week as the technical team assesses player fitness and form before trimming the list to the final 21-man contingent. Uganda’s participation in the global showpiece marks a significant milestone for the nation’s youth football development and offers a platform for the next generation of Cranes stars to shine on the world stage.
