Uganda U17 head coach Laryea Kingston has named his final 23-man squad for the upcoming CECAFA U17 AFCON Zonal Qualifiers in Ethiopia.
The tournament, which runs from 15 November to 2 December 2025, will see the defending champions placed in Group B alongside Tanzania, Burundi, Sudan and Djibouti.
The Ghanaian tactician, who is a former Black Stars midfielder made his final selection from the group that has been in residential training at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru and in Kampala.
Uganda will open their campaign against Burundi on Saturday before facing Sudan on 18 November and Tanzania three days later. The Cubs will conclude the group stage against Djibouti on 27 November, with all matches taking place at the Dire Dawa Stadium.
Kingston, who took charge of the team earlier this year, said he was satisfied with the progress made in camp.
“It has been good so far and we have managed to put something together,” he told FUFA media. “The regional scouts did a marvellous job and brought in a lot of quality players. We have so much talent in this group.”
He added that the final sessions before departure had shown strong signs of readiness.
“Our last training session before travelling has been amazing. Everybody looks very sharp — from the warm-up to the technical drills and game situations. I have so much confidence in the team. They are performing very well.”
Looking ahead to the qualifiers, Kingston was clear about his objectives.
“Our expectation in this competition is to make sure we qualify,” he said. “We are going to take it a game at a time, but we are looking forward to a good tournament and getting the first three points against Burundi.”
FUFA Chief Executive Officer Edgar Watson also praised the young players for their commitment during preparations.
“Thank you for the wonderful training you have shown,” he said. “I have watched your sessions and I am impressed with the energy and God-given talent. If you continue with this level, you will produce good results for Uganda.”
Uganda’s CECAFA Group Fixtures
15 Nov: Burundi v Uganda
18 Nov: Sudan v Uganda
21 Nov: Uganda v Tanzania
27 Nov: Uganda v Djibouti
Uganda Cubs Squad
Goalkeepers: Expedito Adrian Ssemugera (Soltilo Bright Stars JT), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC SA), Richard Mukisa (NEC JT).
Defenders: Shakur Ngobi (Greenlight Islamic School), Travor Mubiru (Vipers JT), Abud Shafikie 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 JT), Abdul Shakur Babi (Buddo SS), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (Rays of Grace), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Musa Ssuna (Amus College), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Program).
Forwards: Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC), Owen Mukisa (Seth Soccer Academy), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC).
Team Officials
Magoola Issa Kakaire (Leader of Delegation), Laryea Kingston (Head Coach), Bengo Steven (Assistant Coach), Ibrahim Juma Sadam (Assistant Coach), Mugabi Yasin (Goalkeeping Coach), Laktabai Edwin Kibet (Performance Coach), Oryem Jolly Joe Innocent (Team Doctor), Kebba Rashid (Physiotherapist), Katende Jerome Raymond (Team Manager), Byamukama Aloysius (Team Media Officer), Senfuka Patrick (Kits Man), Tumusiime Vincent (Local Safeguarding Officer).
By: Pascal Amoah
