U17 rising star James Bogere makes provisional Uganda Cranes squad as Paul Put names 30 for AFCON 2025

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 30-man provisional squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off later this month in Morocco.

The team includes nine players from the Uganda Premier League, among them Vipers SC midfielder Allan Okello, who returns to the fold after a strong domestic season. Youngster James Bogere has also been rewarded with a call-up following his standout performances for the Uganda Cubs at the U17 FIFA World Cup.

Goalkeeper Charles Lukwago is back in the national team despite a difficult run with KCCA FC this season. At right back, SC Villa’s David Owori has been preferred over Gavin Kizito and Elvis Bwomono, while England-based defender Bevis Mugabi has been ruled out with an injury.

CHAN star Joel Sserunjogi has not made the squad, but Jude Ssemugabi earns a place even though he has seen limited playtime in South Sudan.

According to FUFA, the Cranes will depart Entebbe Airport on Sunday for an 11-day training camp in Casablanca, Morocco. During the camp, they will play two friendly matches before opening their AFCON campaign against Tunisia on 23 December.