Uganda Cranes Squad: Derrick Nsibambi, Taddeo Lwanga Return

Friday, October 11
Uganda Vs South Sudan – Namboole

Tuesday, October 15
South Sudan Vs Uganda – Juba stadium

Group K table

1. Uganda – 4
2. South Africa – 4
3. Congo – 3
4. South Sudan – 0

Experienced forward Derrick Nsibambi and midfielder Taddeo Lwanga have been recalled to the Uganda Cranes squad ahead of the crucial 2025 AFCON qualifier double-header against South Sudan in Group K.

Coach Paul Put has named a 27-man squad for the two fixtures, which could significantly shape Uganda’s journey to the continental tournament.

Nsibambi, who last appeared for the Cranes in 2021 during a goalless draw against Mali at Kitende, has earned his place back in the team after a stellar return to KCCA.

The forward has caught the eye of the national team selectors, particularly after his outstanding goal in KCCA’s 2-0 win over Kitara.

Lwanga, another seasoned Cranes player, returns to the fold for the first time since September 2023, when he played in Uganda’s 2-0 victory over Niger in Marrakech.

The hard-tackling midfielder’s inclusion adds stability to the squad’s midfield that also has captain Khalid Aucho, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Ronald Ssekiganda.

There has been a shocking inclusion of KCCA attacking midfielder Shafik Kwikiriza, who has earned his first call-up to the national team!

Elvis Bwomono, Joseph Ochaya and Mohammed Shaban are some of the notable absentees from the squad that was summoned from the previous international break

The Uganda Cranes currently sit atop Group K with four points, following a 2-2 draw away to South Africa and a 2-0 home victory against Congo in Namboole.

The double-header against South Sudan, starts with the home leg on October 11 in Namboole and the return fixture in Juba on October 15.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers
Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa)

Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)

Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards
Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden)