Paul Put names Uganda Cranes’ 28-man squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya, with Sadam Masereka and Noble Okello included.
Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 28-man squad for a demanding international window featuring 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya before two friendly matches against DR Congo.
Among the notable selections are Sadam Masereka and Noble Okello, while experienced goalkeeper Denis Onyango is included alongside several established foreign-based players and promising locally based talents.
Uganda will travel to Tunisia on September 24, 2026, before hosting Libya at the new Hoima City Stadium on September 29. The Cranes will then play DR Congo twice in Côte d’Ivoire, on October 2 and October 5.
Uganda Cranes’ Busy International Schedule
| Date | Fixture | Competition/Type | Venue |
| September 24 | Tunisia vs Uganda | AFCON 2027 Qualifier | Rades, Tunisia |
| September 29 | Uganda vs Libya | AFCON 2027 Qualifier | Hoima City Stadium |
| October 2 | Uganda vs DR Congo | International friendly | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
| October 5 | Uganda vs DR Congo | International friendly | Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire |
The Tunisia and Libya encounters are Uganda’s opening two qualifiers, while FUFA has arranged the DR Congo games as international build-ups.
Uganda have already qualified automatically for AFCON 2027 as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, but the qualifying campaign provides Put with competitive matches as he continues shaping his squad.
Masereka Gets His Opportunity
One of the most interesting names on the list is Sadam Masereka, who is listed by Sports Nation Uganda as playing for Colorado Springs Switchbacks in the United States.
According to Kawowo, Masereka previously represented Uganda at youth level, including the U17 and U20 teams. His elevation to the senior setup offers another indication that Put is prepared to blend emerging talent with established internationals.
With four matches scheduled within a relatively short period, squad depth will be important. The friendlies against DR Congo could particularly provide opportunities for players who receive limited minutes against Tunisia or Libya.
Noble Okello Back in the Cranes Picture
Noble Okello is another intriguing inclusion.
The Canada-born midfielder has Ugandan roots and previously represented Canada at youth levels and made two senior appearances in 2020. He was already called into Uganda’s squad earlier in 2026 for friendly matches against Tanzania and Madagascar.
Sports Nation Uganda currently lists him with Lexington SC in the United States. His physical presence and midfield profile offer another option as Uganda prepare for difficult assignments against North African opposition.
Competition in midfield will be considerable, with Baba Alhassan, Kenneth Semakula, Allan Oyirwoth and Joseph Seremba also selected.
Onyango Provides Experience
At the opposite end of the experience scale is Denis Onyango.
The veteran goalkeeper is included alongside SC Villa’s David Lukwago and NEC’s Hannington Ssebwalunyo. His presence provides leadership to a squad containing several younger and less experienced internationals.
Put has also retained several familiar attacking names.
Allan Okello, Steven Mukwala, Rogers Mato and Travis Mutyaba feature alongside James Bogere, Denis Omedi, Hassan Mubiru, Richard Basangwa and Frank Ssebuufu.
Jonathan Odongo Among Local Players Rewarded
Entebbe UPPC right-back Jonathan Odongo is among the notable locally based selections after his performances at club level.
Other Uganda-based players include Lukwago, Ssebwalunyo, KCCA defender Herbert Achayi, SC Villa’s Geoffrey Lubangakene and Frank Ssebuufu, Vipers defender Hillary Mukundane and NEC forward Richard Basangwa.
Their inclusion gives domestic football a significant presence within a squad otherwise spread across clubs in Africa, Europe and North America.
It also gives players competing in the Uganda Premier League an opportunity to demonstrate that strong club performances can lead to senior national-team recognition.
Uganda Cranes 28-Man Squad
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango, David Lukwago, Hannington Ssebwalunyo.
Defenders: Toby Sibbick, Jonathan Odongo, Rogers Torach, Aziz Kayondo, Herbert Achayi, Herbert Bockhorn, Nathan Asiimwe, Geoffrey Lubangakene, Hillary Mukundane, Gavin Kizito.
Midfielders: Baba Alhassan, Noble Okello, Kenneth Semakula, Allan Oyirwoth, Joseph Seremba.
Forwards: Allan Okello, James Bogere, Travis Mutyaba, Denis Omedi, Rogers Mato, Hassan Mubiru, Sadam Masereka, Steven Mukwala, Richard Basangwa, Frank Ssebuufu.
Tunisia Test Comes First
The first assignment could provide the clearest indication of where Put’s team stands.
Tunisia away represents a demanding opening to the qualifying campaign. Uganda will therefore need defensive organisation, midfield discipline and efficiency when opportunities arrive.
Four days later, attention switches to Libya in Hoima, giving supporters another opportunity to watch the national team on home soil.
Put must also manage workloads carefully because two matches against DR Congo follow shortly afterwards.
Those friendlies should allow the coaching staff to experiment with combinations while continuing preparations for AFCON 2027.
What the Squad Means for Uganda
The 28-man selection reflects a clear mixture of continuity and development.
Onyango supplies enormous international experience, while established players such as Allan Okello, Mukwala and Mato remain important members of the group.
At the same time, opportunities for Masereka, Odongo and other emerging players allow Put to broaden the pool available to Uganda.
The international window therefore matters beyond individual results. With Uganda preparing to co-host AFCON 2027, every competitive match and high-level friendly gives the technical team another opportunity to assess combinations before the tournament.
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Take-Home
Put’s latest squad combines experienced internationals with players still establishing themselves at senior level.
Masereka’s inclusion is an important step in his progression from Uganda’s youth teams, while Okello receives another opportunity to strengthen his place in the Cranes setup.
The immediate focus, however, is Tunisia on September 24. From Rades to Hoima and then Abidjan, four matches in less than two weeks will provide Put with a valuable test of both the quality and depth of his developing Uganda Cranes squad.
