2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Friday 7th June 2026
Uganda Vs Botswana
Mandela National Stadium
Kickoff: 7PM
Excitement and anxiety is evident amongst Ugandan Football enthusiasts as Uganda Cranes make a grand return to Mandela National Stadium.
It is five years since Uganda Cranes played at its fortress (Namboole) and returning ‘home’ is a dream come true story for everyone.
Playmarker Travis Mutyaba is equally waiting for the moment to make his first appearance at Uganda’s football cathedral.
Fresh from guiding his club, Zamalek SC to CAF Confederation Cup success, Mutyaba is eager to play at the newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium.
“It is every Ugandan footballer’s dream to play at Namboole. I was unfortunate that by the time I got my first cap the team was hosting away from home,” said Mutyaba before adding.
‘While I was young, my coach and father took me to Namboole to watch the Uganda Cranes. It was an unforgettable experience because of the players and the atmosphere created by the fans. I’m glad that I now have the opportunity to be at Namboole as a player. I’m too anxious and cannot wait to share the experience.”
Mutyaba calls upon fans to come and rally behind the team on Friday against Botswana and Monday against Algeria.
The silky midfielder has played for the Uganda Rhinos (U15), Uganda Cubs (U17), Uganda Hippos (U20) and received his first senior team call up in December 2021 during a friendly game against Tanzania.
Players in Camp
Goalkeepers
Isima Bid Rashid Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Crispus Kusiima (Kitara FC, Uganda), Braddy Jeans Wokorach (SC Villa, Uganda)
Defenders
Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (FK Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Ronald Otto (Bul FC, Uganda), Abdul Aziizi Kayondo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Timothy Denis Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Elio Capradossi (Calcio Lecco FC, Italy), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregainica Stip, North Macedonia)
Midfielders
Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA),Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Carl James Mujaguzi (Athlone Town AFC, Ireland)
Forwards
Steven Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko FC, Ghana), Nelson Ssenkatuka ( Soltilo BrightStars, Uganda) Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Muhammad Shaban (KCCA FC, Uganda), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda)
