El Cambio Academy founder and agent Thomas Thor has urged patience over the future of teenage Uganda forward James Bogere, despite growing interest from several leading European sides.
Bogere, currently on the books of El Cambio Academy in Masaka, has been one of Uganda’s standout performers at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The 16-year-old has scored twice — against Canada and France — as the Cubs continue to turn heads on the global stage.
The youngster’s rise has been rapid. He first came to prominence during qualifying for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, where he propelled Uganda to the finals with seven goals in four matches, including a pair of hat-tricks. His form earned him an unexpected invitation to the senior Uganda Cranes squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), a tournament later pushed to August 2025 by CAF.
With scouts from across Europe tracking his progress, Thor says the teenager’s next step must be handled with care.
“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing about the boys, especially James Bogere,” Thor told Footy-Africa. “But we have to stay calm. His development comes first — we won’t rush him into a project that doesn’t suit his long-term growth.”
Thor stressed that any potential move will only happen when the right sporting and personal environment is guaranteed.
“James is a special player and part of Uganda’s emerging generation,” he said. “If he gets a Cranes call-up for the AFCON later this year, we’ll be delighted. But for now, the focus is keeping him grounded and making sure every decision supports his development.”
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With his mix of creativity, composure and clinical finishing, Bogere is seen as one of Africa’s most exciting young prospects. And El Cambio Academy appears intent on ensuring his rise is managed with both ambition and caution.
