Young talent James Bogere, who played for the Uganda Cubs at the recently concluded FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, has received a call-up. Bogere, who was a standout for the U17 team, earns his first opportunity to join the senior national squad and is in contention for a place in the final roster.

At the U17 World Cup, he netted two goals, scoring against France and Canada. Alhassan Baba and Melyvn Lorenzen, who made their debuts during last month’s international window in friendlies against Morocco and Chad, are also included in the team.

The squad is scheduled to depart for Morocco on Sunday evening to begin preparations. The training camp in Casablanca will last for 11 days before the final squad of 28 is announced.

While in Morocco, the Uganda Cranes aim to compete in two international friendlies to prepare for the tournament, which will be held from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Uganda has been placed in Group C alongside Nigeria, Tunisia, and Tanzania.

Uganda Cranes Provisional AFCON 2025 Squad (30 Players)

Goalkeepers

• Salim Omar Magoola – Richards Bay FC (South Africa)

• Denis Onyango – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

• Alionzi Nafian – Defence Forces FC (Ethiopia)

• Charles Lukwago – KCCA FC (Uganda)

Defenders

• Toby Sibbick – Burton Albion (England)

• Elio Caprodossi – Universitatea Cluj (Romania)

• Jordan Obita – Hibernian FC (Scotland)

• Rogers Torach – Vipers SC (Uganda)

• Abdu Azizi Kayondo – 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 (Tanzania)

• Ronald Ssekingada – APR FC (Rwanda)

• Bobosi Byaruhanga – Oakland Roots (USA)

• Baba Alhassan – FCSB (Romania)

Forwards

• Allan Okello – Vipers SC (Uganda)

• Melvyn Lorenzen – Muangthong United (Thailand)

• Travis Mutyaba – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)

• Denis Omedi – APR FC (Rwanda)

• Mato Rogers – FK Vardar (North Macedonia)

• Reagan Mpande – SC Villa (Uganda)

• Jude Ssemugabi – Jamus FC (South Sudan)

• Uchechukwu Ikpeazu – St. Johnstone (Scotland)

• Steven Mukwala – Simba SC (Tanzania)

• James Bogere – Masaka Sunshine FC (Uganda)

• Ivan Ahimbisibwe – KCCA FC (Uganda)

• Shafik Nana Kwikiriza – KCCA FC (Uganda)