The Uganda Cranes have held their first training session at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Uganda will face Mozambique on 5th September 2025 before playing Somalia on 8th September 2025 in two crucial back-to-back fixtures.
As of this evening, twenty-three out of the thirty summoned players are in camp. They include Mutyaba Travis, Ronald Ssekiganda, Alionzi Nafian, Denis Onyango, Magoola Salim, Kakande Patrick, Serunjogi Joel, Ssemugabi Jude, Mpande Joseph, Achayi Herbert, Gavin Kizito, Rogers Torach, Mukundane Hillary, Allan Okello, Mpande Reagan, Omedi Denis, Mutakubwa Joel, Watambala Abdu Karim, Semakula Kenneth, Elio Capradossi, Rogers Mato, Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu and Toby Sibbick.
Head Coach Paul Joseph Put admitted that the opening day of camp presented its challenges, especially with players travelling from different parts of the world after a busy weekend schedule with their clubs.
‘You know, the most difficult part for the coach is the first day, when the players are coming, and I told them, because with the national team you do not have time, it is not the preparation that you have for 3-4 weeks, you have only 2-3-4 days, and then you have to play. But I think they understand very well the message,’ he said.
Put further noted that more players are expected to join camp within the next 24 hours.
‘They have been playing in the weekend, and also you know in Africa it is not easy to travel, so there will be players coming tonight, tomorrow morning, but those who are coming tomorrow morning it will be difficult to get them on the field, we are going to work with them individually, but I think most of the players will be on the pitch tomorrow. We are normally complete if we have no injuries, so we have to go with the players we have. So I do not see any problems, only maybe Jude we have to see. We are going to do medical today to find out if it is not too serious. If it is not, then he will integrate also in the training.’
The coach also reflected on the progress of the CHAN players who earned their places in the senior team.
‘They have been working with me almost three months, every day from morning till night, so I know them, I know their progress, I have confidence in them. So I also have to put pressure on the players, that nobody is secure of their place. But the players who were called up for CHAN, I think they have been proven, they have been progressing, so it is up to them. With me, I don’t see if you are playing outside the country, or in Uganda, for me the best players will play.’
The Cranes will continue training daily at Namboole as the squad builds momentum for the doubleheader.
