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Four of KCCA FC’s talented young players, along with a goalkeepers’ coach, have played a pivotal role in helping the Uganda Cubs (U17 National Team) qualify for the prestigious TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026!
Four of KCCA FC’s finest were integral to the team’s success in the recent CECAFA Zonal qualifiers:
- Ashiraf Lukyamuzi (Goalkeeper): A familiar face in the national junior ranks, Lukyamuzi brings valuable experience, having already featured on the KCCA FC senior matchday squad and played in previous U17 CECAFA and AFCON tournaments. His reflexes and command were crucial as the Cubs qualified for AFCON 2026. Lukyamuzi played every minute of the CECAFA U17 tournament in Ethiopia.
- Abud Shafikie Ukasha (Defender): Earning his maiden call-up for the Uganda Cubs, Ukasha proved his readiness to step onto the big stage, shoring up the defense with determination and skill. The defender will be a force in the AFCON U17 in 2026.
- Thomas Ogema (Forward/Midfielder): Ogema, often referred to as a “whiz kid,” was a dynamic attacker who contributed valuable experience to the forward line. He was a key figure, having featured in last year’s U17 CECAFA and the U17 AFCON in Morocco in April 2025. Demonstrating his attacking prowess, Ogema netted six goals for the Uganda Cubs in the CECAFA after coming off a successful season for the KCCA Soccer Academy in the recently concluded FUFA Juniors League, where he scored seven goals all season.
- Ismail Fahad (Striker): Fahad’s rapid development and raw potential, and ability to provide clinical finishing, were key in this tournament. Fahad, named as the assistant captain, was a consistent threat. He was the club academy’s second-top scorer with nine goals in the just-concluded FUFA Juniors League and also scored four goals in the just-concluded CECAFA U17.
The KCCA FC influence extended to the technical bench with goalkeeping coach Yasin Mugabi guiding the national team’s shot-stoppers. Coach Mugabi, who serves as a goalkeeper coach at KCCA FC, was tasked with honing the reflexes and command of the Cubs’ goalkeepers.
Qualification Journey and a Thrilling Final
The Uganda Cubs were drawn into a challenging Group B alongside regional rivals Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan, and Djibouti. The final match of the qualifiers saw the Cubs face their formidable rivals, Tanzania, who ultimately clinched the CECAFA title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
Despite the loss in the final, the Cubs displayed resilience. After conceding an early goal, Thomas Ogema swiftly leveled the scores, netting a close-range finish just seven minutes later to make it 1-1. This fighting spirit and the team’s overall performance throughout the tournament were enough to secure their coveted spot in the AFCON U17 tournament.
The final was marked by high drama and competitive rivalry. Although Tanzania secured the gold, the performances of the Uganda Cubs were recognized with the Silver Medal, and Owen Mukisa of Uganda was deservedly named the Best Player of the tournament.
KCCA FC congratulates all the players and technical staff for their dedication and success. We look forward to watching our Boys shine on the grand stage of the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations 2026!
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)
- Jjemba 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)
Alongside coach Yasin Mugabi, the Uganda Cubs technical team was comprised of three former KCCA FC players: Sadam Juma, Patrick Ssenfuka, and Vincent Tumusiime.
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