The Uganda Cubs have officially set sail for Ethiopia, armed with a polished 23-man squad and the belief that they can once again conquer the CECAFA U-17 Zonal Qualifiers. Head coach Laryea Kingston confirmed his final selection on Tuesday morning, just hours before the team flew out of Entebbe International Airport for Dire Dawa.
The group has spent the past weeks sharpening up, first at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru and later in Kampala, fine-tuning their craft ahead of a tournament that runs from November 15 to December 2. Uganda enters the competition as defending champions and will operate out of Group B alongside Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, and Djibouti.
Their title defence begins on November 15 against a stubborn Burundi side, followed by successive meetings with Sudan, Tanzania, and Djibouti.
The national U17 men’s team, The Cubs, safely arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia this morning ahead of the TotalEnergies AFCON U17 CECAFA Region Qualifiers that kick off on Saturday.
On arrival at Bole International Airport, the Ugandan contingent of 23 players and officials, led… pic.twitter.com/0G1hT2WkEH
— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) November 11, 2025
Kingston and Watson speak ahead of CECAFA U-17
Composed Kingston spoke with conviction after wrapping up the team’s final session.
“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,” he said.
He doubled down on that confidence after watching his boys execute the final rehearsals:
“Everybody looks very sharp from the warm-up to the technical drills and the game situations. I have so much confidence in the team.”
FUFA CEO Edgar Watson reminded the youngsters of the responsibility stitched into their jersey, urging them to embody the nation both on and off the pitch.
“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,” he told them.
The final squad features standout names including goalkeeper Expedito Adrian Ssemugera, defensive pillar Trevor Mubiru, and clinical forward Ismail Fahad, all expected to play central roles in Uganda’s push for another continental ticket.
Final 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).
