KCCA FC Quintet Lead Uganda Cubs Charge in Morocco for AFCON U17 2026

The future of KCCA FC and Ugandan football is in bright hands as five of our brightest young talents from the KCCA FC Soccer Academy are in Morocco for the TotalEnergies U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026.

The quintet, comprising Ashraf Lukyamuzi, Jemba Ukasha, Thomas Ogema, Ismail Fahad, and Reagan Lwanga, is ready to showcase their potential on the continental stage.

Four of these youngsters were the heartbeat of the Uganda Cubs’ successful qualification campaign during the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers in Ethiopia in November/December 2025. They are now joined by fellow academy player Reagan Lwanga, who completes the KCCA FC contingent.

Thomas Ogema | Photo by FUFA

• Ashraf Lukyamuzi (Goalkeeper): The shot-stopper played every single minute of the CECAFA zonal qualifiers. With KCCA FC senior team matchday experience already under his belt, his command of the area will be vital. He was also part of the Uganda Cubs squad at the AFCON U17 in 2025
• Thomas Ogema (Midfielder): The “Whiz Kid” of the academy. Ogema arrives in Morocco in excellent form, having netted six goals in the CECAFA qualifiers. He was also part of the Uganda Cubs squad at the AFCON U17 in Morocco in 2025
• Ismail Fahad (Forward): He is one of the leaders of the Cubs. Fahad’s clinical finishing (4 goals in CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers) makes him one of the tournament’s strikers to watch.
• Jemba Ukasha (Defender): A defensive rock who shored up the Cubs’ backline during his maiden call-up in the CECAFA zonal qualifiers. He is expected to take advantage of the opportunity in Morocco.
• Reagan Lwanga (Midfielder/Forward): The latest addition to the national fold, Lwanga adds depth and flair to the academy representation. He will want to make the most of his maiden call-up to the national team.

Performance Coach Felix Ayobo and Ismail Fahad in practice. | Photo by FUFA

Technical Excellence

The KCCA FC influence isn’t limited to only the playing personnel; goalkeeping coach Yasin Mugabi and fitness and conditioning coach Felix Ayobo, but now serving as performance coach for the Cubs, are part of the technical team, ensuring the Cubs are physically and tactically prepared for the rigours of continental football.

Alongside coach Yasin Mugabi, the Uganda Cubs technical team comprises three former KCCA FC players: Sadam Juma, Patrick Ssenfuka, and Vincent Tumusiime.

U17 Uganda Cubs Technical Team

Road to the U17 World Cup in Qatar

The AFCON U17 tournament is scheduled to run from May 13 to June 2, 2026, and the ultimate prize is qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be hosted in Qatar. With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, Africa has been granted 10 slots

Uganda has been drawn into Group B, arguably the most competitive group of the tournament. The Cubs will have to navigate a challenging path against Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and DR Congo if they are to make it to the knockout stage.

Reagan Lwanga training with the Uganda Cubs | Photo by FUFA

The lads in Morocco must reach the quarter-finals to secure a ticket to Qatar and replicate the success of the 2025 Uganda Cubs side.

In the new format, the eight quarter finalists qualify automatically, while the third-placed teams from the groups will compete in a playoff to fill the remaining two slots.

The Cubs are already acclimatising well to the Moroccan climate. In their final warm-up games, Uganda signalled their intent with two massive victories, 3-1 against Mozambique and 1-0 against Mali.

Everyone at KCCA FC congratulates our ambassadors in Morocco and wishes them all the very best at AFCON U17! Go and make the city and the country proud!

U17 Uganda Cubs Squad