Uganda Cranes Friendlies: 28-Man Squad Called Up for Cameroon & Gambia International Tests

Uganda Cranes call up a 28-man squad of local and foreign-based players ahead of international friendlies. Coach Paul Put will be at the helm of Uganda Cranes in an international friendly against Cameroon and The Gambia on 7th and 14th June 2025, respectively. Both matches take place in Marrakech, Morocco. These international friendlies are more than just friendlies, as they determine how the national team will proceed.

Why These Friendlies Matter

International friendlies may not carry competitive points, but for Uganda, they’re anything but casual. This is Coach Paul Put’s opportunity to implement his formations, assess how his team performs under pressure, and make necessary adjustments for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

Cameroon has pedigree and power. The Gambia is one of the most unpredictable teams in Africa. Uganda needs both exposure and experience—and there’s no better opportunity than this.

When They Will Play: Where and When

• Uganda vs. Cameroon \ Friday, June 6, 2025 \ Marrakech, Morocco
• Uganda vs. The Gambia \ Monday, June 9, 2025 \ Marrakech, Morocco

Team Strategy: Paul Put’s Vision in Motion

Paul Put’s strategy since taking over as Cranes head coach has been clear, build a squad that’s athletic, organized, and composed under pressure. These friendlies will be a direct test of that vision.

Put’s squad features:

• A core of players with European experience
• Domestic-based players hungry for international minutes
• Tactical versatility in both midfield and defense

Whether he chooses a traditional 4-4-2 formation or tries a 3-5-2 setup, everyone’s attention will be focused on this group’s performance on the field.

Local Talent Meets Global Experience

Of the 28 called up, 12 are coming from the Uganda Premier League. This indicates a new trust Of the 28 called up, 12 are coming from the Uganda Premier League. This suggests a new faith in homegrown talent. Yet the international call-ups come from leagues spanning Europe, North America, and Africa.

This blended approach allows for potential growth with young locals while learning and bringing presence from experienced foreign-based players.

Squad Assembly Details

The local-based players will gather at FUFA House in Mengo on Monday, June 2, at 12 PM, before flying to Morocco the same day.

Foreign-based players will link up with the squad directly in Marrakech.

Full Uganda Cranes Squad for June 2025 Friendlies

Goalkeepers

• Isima Watenga – Golden Arrows FC (South Africa)
• Nafian Alionzi – Defence Forces FC (Ethiopia)
• Joel Mutakubwa – BUL FC (Uganda)
• Hannington Sebwalunyo – NEC FC (Uganda)

Defenders

• Elvis Bwomono – St Mirren FC (Scotland)
• Nico Wadada – Vipers SC (Uganda)
• Elio Capradossi – AS Cittadella (Italy)
• Arnold Odong – SC Villa (Uganda)
• Toby Sibbick – Wigan Athletic FC (England)
• Hilary Mukundane – Vipers SC (Uganda)
• Jordan Obita – Hibernian FC (Scotland)
• Isaac Muleme – Viktoria Žižkov (Czech Republic)

Midfielders

• Bobosi Byaruhanga – Oakland Roots SC (USA)
• Kenneth Semakula – Club Africain (Tunisia)
• Allan Oyirwoth – New England Revolution (USA)
• Enock Ssebagala – NEC FC (Uganda)
• Abdu Karim Watambala – Vipers SC (Uganda)
• Allan Okello – Vipers SC (Uganda)
• Travis Mutyaba – Bordeaux (France)

Forwards

• Dennis Omedi – APR FC (Rwanda)
• Hakim Kiwanuka – APR FC (Rwanda)
• Shafik Nana Kwikiriza – KCCA FC (Uganda)
• Rogers Mato – FK Vardar (North Macedonia)
• Steven Mukwala – Simba SC (Tanzania)
• Usama Arafat – KCCA FC (Uganda)
• John Paul Dembe – AC Hacken (Sweden)
• Patrick Jonah Kakande – SC Villa (Uganda)
• Ivan Ahimbisibwe – URA FC (Uganda)

Key Players to Watch

1. Travis Mutyaba: This attacking midfielder playing with Bordeaux is a fan favorite who can take the game to the next level with creativity and vision.
2. Steven Mukwala: After a successful season at Simba SC, this Cranes’ poacher should receive praise for his finishing abilities.
3. Allan Okello: With recent resurgence with Vipers SC, this midfielder of The Cranes brings creativity and poise to the midfield.

What’s at Stake for the Cranes?

These friendlies are more than prep matches. They’re auditions for the 2025 AFCON squad. For fringe players, it’s a chance to impress. For starters, it’s about sharpening chemistry. And for Coach Put, it’s a rehearsal for competitive fixtures down the road.

Looking Back: Uganda’s Record Against Cameroon & Gambia

• Vs. Cameroon: Cameroon: Uganda does not boast a good history vs. The Indomitable Lions. Their last competitive matchup was in the 2017 AFCON, where Uganda lost to Cameroon 1-0 in group stage play.
• Vs. The Gambia: Meetings have been rare. But with The Gambia’s recent surge, Uganda must treat them with respect.

Prediction & Tactical Take

Expect Uganda to play compact against Cameroon focusing on counter-attacks. Against The Gambia, they may open up more with possession to spare.

With such versatile midfielders expect some rotations and late game switches to test tactical awareness and fitness of the squad.

What to expect?

The Uganda Cranes friendlies in June 2025 mean more than just minutes on the pitch. They are a part of Coach Put’s scheme for success going forward. With a strong mix of future prospects blended with veteran presences, the journey in Morocco will be the foundation for what’s to come for Uganda on and off the pitch.