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The road to the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially begins, and the Uganda U-17 National Team, the Uganda Cubs’ final 23-man squad for the CECAFA U-17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers, has been named.
As defending champions, the Cubs are determined to secure their ticket to the continental finals, and KCCA FC is represented with four players and a key member of the technical team making the cut.
Following an intensive training camp at the FUFA Technical Centre, Head Coach Laryea Kingston named a squad of 23, comprising three goalkeepers, eight defenders, eight midfielders, and four strikers.
KCCA FC Quartet
- Ashiraf Lukyamuzi has earned his spot among goalkeepers. Lukyamuzi, who has already featured on the KCCA FC senior team’s matchdaysquad and also previously at the U17 CECAFA and AFCON tournaments with the Uganda Cubs, will be guided by the experience of the U17 national team goalkeeping coach, Yasin Mugabi.
Mugabi, a goalkeeper coach at KCCA FC, is tasked with honing the reflexes and command of the Cubs’ shot-stoppers.
- Abud Shafikie Ukasha, a defender, has also made his maiden call-up for the Uganda Cubs.
The attacking depth of the Cubs is boosted by the inclusion of two KCCA FC teenagers.
- Thomas Ogema: A known whiz-kid in the national junior ranks, Ogema brings experience to the forward line. He featured at last year’s U17 CECAFA tournament and was also at the U17 AFCON in Morocco in April 2025. His versatility and technical skill will be important as the Cubs seek qualification to AFCON. He also scored 7 goals for KCCA Soccer Academy as a midfielder in the recently concluded FUFA Juniors League
- Ismail Fahad: Fahad’s inclusion shows his rapid development and raw potential. As one of the four strikers selected, he will be counted on to provide the clinical finishing needed to convert chances into crucial wins. Fahad was the club academy’s second top scorer with 9 goals in the just concluded FUFA Juniors League
The Uganda Cubs are drawn into a competitive Group B alongside regional rivals Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, and Djibouti.
The campaign to defend the U17 CECAFA title and qualify for AFCON 2026 begins this Saturday, November 15, when the Uganda Cubs kick off their tournament against Burundi.
All of us at KCCA FC extend our best wishes to the entire Uganda Cubs team, especially to Ashiraf Lukyamuzi, Thomas Ogema, Ismail Fahad, and Goalkeeper Coach Yasin Mugabi.
Uganda Cubs 23-man 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)
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