Uganda U20 head coach Laryea Kingston has unveiled a provisional 56-player squad as the Hippos begin preparations for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U20 Zonal Qualifiers in Tanzania.
The regional qualifiers are scheduled for 16–30 September 2026, with Uganda set to assemble on Monday, 24 August at 7:00am at FUFA House before proceeding to the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru for a residential training camp.
Kingston has cast a wide net, blending players from the domestic game with a sizeable contingent based abroad as he begins the process of shaping the squad that will represent Uganda at the zonal championship.
Among the notable selections is Denis Mugerwa, the St Mary’s Kitende goalkeeper who played a key role as the school secured the football title at the recently concluded FEASSA Games in Morogoro, Tanzania.
The provisional squad also features established young talents from the Uganda Premier League and other domestic competitions, including Edirisa Waibi of Buddo SS, Gilbert Mazige of NEC FC and Adrian Isabirye of BUL FC.
Kingston has also opened the door to Ugandan youngsters developing outside the country, with players attached to clubs and institutions in Denmark, England, the United States, Spain, Latvia and other European destinations.
The foreign-based contingent includes Hamza Sengooba of AGF in Denmark, Mansur Bashir of Gardner-Webb Men’s Soccer, Oliver Arthur Scott Fisher of Patrick Thistle FC, Steven Oyirwoth of UNC Men’s Soccer, Moses Opira of Fulham Academy, Hugo Bull of Crystal Palace FC and Jovan Kasuja of Brentford FC.
The list further includes Mimosa Yashir of the University of California, Ocen Genesis Odiya of NK Tabor Sezana, Joseph D. Ssenyondwa of AC Amager and Johnson Kabagambe of Riga FC.
Kingston will be supported by goalkeeping coach Steven Billy Kiggundu and fitness coach Dennis Kizito, while former Uganda Cranes international Brian Umony takes on the dual role of team manager and Safeguarding Officer.
The Hippos medical and logistical team will comprise team doctor Ivan Kulika, equipment manager Frank Bumpenje and Media Officer Andrew Talenga.
The 56-man list will provide Kingston with a broad pool from which to select the final squad for Uganda’s campaign in Tanzania, where the Hippos will be aiming to secure qualification from the zonal competition.
Full Squad
Denis Mugerwa — St Mary’s Kitende
Gilbert Ogernwrot — SC Villa
Asiimwe Habert Tinyefunza — Express FC
John Assimwe — SC Villa
Owen Mukisa — Vipers SC
Edirisa Waibi — Buddo SS
Adrian Isabirye — BUL FC
Igama Allan Batali — Lugazi FC
Ssendi Kiyaga Tonny — SC Villa
Torach Elvis — Masaka Sunshine
Wandera Hakim — NEC FC
Ntege Abdul Lukenge — Maroons FC
Lazaro Bwambale — KCCA FC
Kawuki Hakim — KCCA FC
Collins Ocatre — St Mary’s Kitende
Jovan Nsereko — NEC FC JT
Mangoli Raymond Baraza — SC Villa
Amour Munogera — Vipers SC
Reagan Isabirye — Entebbe UPPC FC
Mutamba Meddy Delight — Busoga United FC
Jjara Brain — KCCA FC
Abubakali Walusimbi — Vipers SC
Derrick Ssozi — Bukedea Comprehensive
Henry Muhoozi — Amus College
Yiga Steven — St Mary’s Kitende
Opakwoth Elvis — St Mary’s Kitende
Okello Richard — BUL FC
Nkoola Arafat — Vipers SC
Kasadha Mathias — Amus College School FC
Ssekitto Kakande Davis — Maroons FC
Magogo Shakur Baggio — Namilyango College School
Wanyama Simon — Bukedea Comprehensive
Odongo Elvis — URA FC
Ampurira Jethro — Edgars Youth Programme
Patrick Ssembusi — Amus College School
Male Anthony — UCU
Isma Magala — Masaka Sunshine
Muhanguzi Fred Junior — URA FC JT
Marvin Kabiito — Vipers SC
Kyakuwa Ashiraf — Vipers SC JT
Owino Brian — Vipers SC JT
Yusuf Ssebumpeje — Prosper SA
Ssekitto Kakande Davis — Maroons FC
Mukisa Marcus Jonathan — Bukedea Comprehensive School
Kasadha Mathias — Amus College School FC.
Gilbert Mazige — NEC FC
Jjara Brain — KCCA FC
Abubakali Walusimbi — Vipers SC
Mangoli Raymond Baraza — SC Villa
Amour Munogera — Vipers SC
Patrick Ssembusi — Amus College School
Magogo Shakur Baggio — Namilyango College School
Foreign-Based Players
Hamza Sengooba — AGF, Denmark
Mansur Bashir — Gardner-Webb Men’s Soccer
Oliver Arthur Scott Fisher — Patrick Thistle FC
Steven Oyirwoth — UNC Men’s Soccer, USA
Moses Opira — Fulham Academy
Hugo Bull — Crystal Palace FC
Mimosa Yashir — University of California, USA
Ocen Genesis Odiya — NK Tabor Sezana
Joseph D. Ssenyondwa — AC Amager
Jovan Kasuja — Brentford FC
Johnson Kabagambe — Riga FC
Technical & Support Staff
Laryea Kingston — Head Coach
Steven Billy Kiggundu — Goalkeeper Coach
Dennis Kizito — Fitness Coach
Brian Umony — Team Manager & Safeguarding Officer
Ivan Kulika — Team Doctor
Frank Bumpenje — Equipment Manager
Andrew Talenga — Media Officer
