LUCAS MUSISI
In an electrifying turn of events for the Uganda Cranes, UK-based defender Nathan Asiimwe has been called up for his debut appearance with the national team. The promising 19-year-old, currently showcasing his defensive skills at Charlton Athletic in the English Football League One, joins the squad as they gear up for their high-stakes international friendlies against Comoros and Ghana on March 22 and 27. Coach Paul Put has revealed a dynamic 27-player roster, poised to bolster the Cranes’ lineup.
The squad is a blend of local talent and international flair, featuring goalkeepers Tom Ikara of BUL FC and Jack Komakech from Vipers SC, both making waves in Uganda, alongside England’s Giousue Bellagambi from Huddersfield Town FC. The defense line is fortified with the likes of Kenneth Semakula from SC Villa, Elvis Bwomono of St. Mirren FC, Scotland’s Bevis Mugabi from Motherwell FC, and Hearts FC’s Toby Sibbick. From far and wide, players like Hallidi Lwaliwa and Timothy Awany join forces with local stars Denis Omony and Nicholas Mwere.
Midfield mastery is evident with Allan Kyambadde and Ronald Ssekiganda, alongside Ashraf Mugume, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Moses Opondo, Travis Mutyaba, and others. The forward line is set ablaze with talents like Milton Karisa, Denis Omedi, Rogers Kassim Mato, and Steven Mukwala, complemented by international names like Mohamad Shaban, Fahad Bayo, and Carl James Mujaguzi.
According to FUFA spokesman Ahmed Hussein Marsha, the locally-based players will kick off their preparations with a three-day residential camp in Kampala starting March 17. The foreign-based stars will rendezvous in Marrakech, Morocco, the stage for the upcoming friendlies. With eyes set on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Uganda Cranes are charging ahead with renewed vigor and an impressive lineup, signaling an era of exhilarating football ahead.