The Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) and the interim technical bench of the Uganda national football team are poised to finalize their agreements, bringing Morley Byekwaso Ochama, Fred Muhumuza, Stephen Billy Kiggundu, and Felix Ayobo into official roles as the custodians of the Cranes for the next 2 to 3 years.
After weeks of mounting pressure on FUFA to appoint a suitable and qualified national football head coach and technical team, the governing body has chosen to entrust this quartet to lead the Cranes through the intense FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification campaign. The decision follows a series of international friendly matches scheduled for later this month.
Uganda, drawn alongside Algeria, Guinea, Mozambique, Botswana, and Somalia in their World Cup qualification group, will commence their campaign with two away fixtures against Guinea and Somalia in November (13-21). In March the following year, they will host Botswana and Algeria between the 3rd and 11th at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
However, before the official campaign kicks off, Morley Byekwaso and his team are expected to oversee the team’s preparations in an interim capacity from the 3rd to the 31st of October, 2023. The quartet of coaches, along with the national team, flew out on Tuesday, October 10th, in preparation for the upcoming international break.
During this week, the Cranes are scheduled to play two crucial games, first against Mali on October 13th in Bamako and then against Zambia in Dubai, UAE on October 17th, 2023. The outcomes of these friendlies are expected to play a significant role in determining the suitability of the coaching team for the job ahead.
To prepare for these crucial encounters, the Uganda national team has been in a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi. Despite their recent failure to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2023, FUFA remains determined to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026, setting their sights on this prestigious global soccer showcase.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers
Isima Bin Rashid Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC, Uganda)
Defenders
Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestamanyaer, Iceland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (Hapoel Tel Aviv FC, Israel), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes, Spain), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregalnica, North Macedonia), Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers SC, Uganda), Hudu Mulikyi (URA FC, Uganda), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC, Uganda)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga FC, Tanzania), Rogers Mugisha (Gor Mahia FC, Kenya), Elvis Ngonde (SC Villa, Uganda), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC, Uganda), Laban Tibiita (URA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA), Arafat Kizza Usama (KCCA FC, Uganda)
Forwards
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC, Uganda), Richard Basangwa (Wadi Degla SC, Uganda), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Lawrence Tezikya (BUL FC, Uganda), Rogers Kassim Mato (Sanliurfaspor FC, Turkey)
International friendlies’ fixtures
Friday, 13th October, 2023
Uganda Vs Mali
Stade du Mars in Bamako
Tuesday, 17th October, 2023
Uganda Vs Zambia
Hamriya Stadium, Sharjah, UAE
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