The Uganda U17 Men’s National Team, the Cubs departed for Dubai, United Arab on Tuesday afternoon to continue with their residential training camp in preparation for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025, scheduled to take place from 3rd -27th November.
The Cubs’ trip to Dubai signifies the final step in their quest to represent Uganda with pride and determination at the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 a milestone moment for the nation’s youth football.
The contingent of 38 people has 26 players and 12 officials. FUFA Executive Committee Member Rasoul Ariga is the Leader of Delegation.
The 10-day international camp marks the final stage of the Cubs’ preparations before they head to Qatar for their historic maiden appearance at the global tournament.
The final squad of 21 players for the World Cup will be named at the end of the camp.
While in Dubai, the team will hold intensive training sessions and play a series of international friendly matches against top youth sides, with fixtures to be confirmed in the coming days.
This phase will enable the technical team to assess tactical readiness, mental sharpness and overall match fitness as Uganda aims to make a positive impression on the world stage.
Before departing for Dubai, the Cubs wrapped up their domestic training with a commanding 5–0 victory over Amus College School in a practice match played on Monday 20th October at FUFA Stadium, Kadiba.
Bogere James was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant hat-trick, while Walusimbi Abubakali and Kamurungi Nuwagaba added a goal each to seal an emphatic win. The result capped off a successful home camp that showcased steady improvement across all aspects of play.
Speaking after the match, Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo expressed satisfaction with the team’s progress and readiness ahead of the final leg of preparations.
‘This was our last friendly game here in Uganda before we switch camp to Dubai,’ said Ssenyondo.
‘I am impressed with how the players are adapting and showing maturity, especially in implementing our attacking principles in the final third. The improvement game by game gives us confidence heading into the World Cup.’
Ssenyondo, who has announced his final assignment at the youth level as he looks to explore opportunities with senior teams, added that the international camp will give players valuable exposure and a chance to test themselves against different playing styles, boosting their confidence ahead of global competition.
The Cubs have been in camp at FUFA Hotel Kisaasi since 7th October 2025.
Uganda is in Group K alongside Canada, Chile and France. Uganda’s opening fixture is against Canada on 5th November 2025.
Full contingent
Officials Leader of Delegation-Ariga Rasoul Ibrahim,
Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo
FUFA Football Development Director/Team Manager-Mutyaba Bashir,
Assistant Coach-Ssali Ronald
Fitness Coach-Massa Simoen
Goalkeeping Coach- Magada Kenneth
Team Doctor-Gumisiriza-Michael Kamu
Team Doctor- Kulika Ivan
Physical Trainer-Kizito Dennis
Equipment Manager-Ddamba Noah Veron
Team Media Officer Kivumbi Joel Cornerious
FUFA Tv Production-Kakairi Emmanuel Julius
The players
The goalkeepers named are Gilbert Mazige (NEC FC JT), Adrian Mukwanga (Vipers SC JT), Ashraf Lukyamuzi (KCCA FC JT) and Edris Waibi (Buddo SS).
The defenders are Elvis Torach (Masaka Sunshine FC), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC JT), Abdul Lukenge Ntege (Maroons FC JT), Hamuzza Sengooba (Masaka Sunshine FC), Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa (NEC FC JT) and Akiz Job Aguma (Vancouver Whitecaps FC).
The midfielders include Brian Jjara (KCCA FC JT), Abubakali Walusimbi (Vipers SC JT), Fred Junior Muhangi (Express FC JT), Isima Mulala Magala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Marvin Kabiito (Vipers SC JT), Brian John Owino (Express FC JT), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC JT), Nuweagaba Kamurungi (Kitara FC JT) and Derick Ssozi (Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC).
The forwards are Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo (Namilyango College), John Asiimwe (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Richard Okello (BUL FC JT), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive School), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Enock Bagenda (KCCA FC JT) and Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC JT).
