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The Uganda Cranes’ journey to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco has begun, and KCCA FC is proudly sending a formidable trio to the 30-man provisional squad. The call-up is a huge nod to the stellar performances of Charles Lukwago, Shafik Kwikiriza, and Ivan Ahimbisibwe.
Leading the charge for the Cityzens is goalkeeper and KCCA captain, Charles Lukwago. His inclusion adds an element of experience to the goalkeeping department, where he will vie for a spot alongside seasoned professionals like Denis Onyango, Nafian Alionzi, and Salim Omar Magoola.
Lukwago’s leadership between the posts have been key for KCCA, and previously for the national team.
In the forward line, coach Paul Put has recognized the prowess of youngster Shafik Kwikiriza and the club’s top scorer with five goals, Ivan Ahimbisibwe.
The trio are among 8 players drawn from the Uganda Premier League, showcasing the UPL’s renewed importance as a breeding ground for national team talent.
The 30-man squad departed Entebbe on Sunday for an 11-day training camp in Casablanca, Morocco. This camp, which will include two friendly matches, is the final preparation phase before Coach Put trims the squad to the final 28 players for the tournament.
Uganda finds itself in a challenging Group C alongside football heavyweights Nigeria and Tunisia, as well as East African rivals Tanzania. The Cranes open their campaign against Tunisia on December 23.
For Lukwago, Kwikiriza, and Ahimbisibwe, the next few weeks are a critical audition. Their ability to translate their club form onto the international stage will not only be crucial for their personal careers but will also be key to Uganda’s aspirations of advancing from what is considered one of the tournament’s toughest groups.
UGANDA CRANES FULL TEAM TO MOROCCO
Goalkeepers: Salim Omar Magoola – Richards Bay FC (South Africa), Denis Onyango – Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa), Nafian Alionzi – Defence Forces FC (Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago – KCCA FC (Uganda).
Defenders: Toby Sibbick – Burton Albion FC (England), Elio Caprodossi – FC Universitatea Cluj (Romania), Jordan Obita – Hibernian FC (Scotland), Rogers Torach – Vipers SC (Uganda), Abdu Azizi Kayondo – FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic), Isaac Muleme – Viktoria Žižkov (Czech Republic), Timothy Awany – FC Ashdod (Israel), David Owori – SC Villa (Uganda), Hilary Mukundane – Vipers SC (Uganda).
Midfielders: Kenneth Semakula – Al-Adalah FC (Saudi Arabia), Khalid Aucho – Singida Black Stars SC (Tanzania), Ronald Ssekiganda – APR FC (Rwanda), Bobosi Byaruhanga – Oakland Roots SC (USA), Alhassan Baba – FCSB (Romania).
Forwards: Allan Okello – Vipers SC (Uganda), Melvyn Lorenzen – Muangthong United FC (Thailand), Travis Mutyaba – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), Denis Omedi – APR FC (Rwanda), Rogers Mato – FK Vardar (North Macedonia), Reagan Mpande – SC Villa (Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi – Jamus FC (South Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu – St Johnstone FC (Scotland), Steven Mukwala – Simba SC (Tanzania), James Bogere – Masaka Sunshine FC (Uganda), Ivan Ahimbisibwe – KCCA FC (Uganda), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza – KCCA FC (Uganda).
Team officials
- Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe (Leader of Delegation)
- Paul Put (Head Coach)
- Fred Muhumuza (Assistant Coach)
- Gerry Oste (Goalkeeping Coach)
- Denis Mathieu (Performance Coach)
- Frank Arthur Naudts (Fitness Coach)
- Jelle Sevenhant (Video Analyst 1)
- Hichem Boumbar (Video Analyst 2)
- Christian Goossens (Sports Scientist)
- Emmanuel Nakabago (Team Doctor)
- Sven de Wilde (Physiotherapist 1)
- Ivan Ssewanyana (Physiotherapist 2)
- Geofrey Massa (Team Coordinator)
- Samuel Mulondo (Kit Manager)
- Ahmed Hussein (Communications)
- Nathan Ssebutinde (FUFA Tv)
- Paul Mukatabala (National Teams’ Officer/Advance party)
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