Kampala, Uganda: Football governing body, FUFA, Sunday confirmed the inclusion of Paul Mucureezi in Uganda Cranes’ provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after Masaka Sunshine FC forward James Bogere formally withdrew from the team.
Bogere, a promising young striker and part of the U-17 national team setup, opted out of the CHAN squad due to undisclosed personal reasons. His request was accepted by the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), and Mucureezi, an experienced winger from NEC FC, has taken his place.
“James Bogere opts out of the Uganda Cranes CHAN squad, and FUFA approves his request. Paul Mucureezi of NEC FC will take his place as training kicks off tomorrow!” FUFA wrote on Sunday afternoon.
“Paul Mucureezi brings a wealth of experience to the squad and will offer leadership and depth as we prepare for the tournament,” the Federation added.
The Uganda Cranes, under the technical stewardship of Fred Muhumuza and Morley Byekwaso, will begin non-residential training on Monday, June 23, at Luzira Prisons Grounds starting at 9:00 a.m.
The 2024 CHAN tournament, scheduled from August 2 to 30, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with Uganda set to host the third-place playoff at Mandela National Stadium.
Mucureezi’s return is seen as a tactical boost, especially after a standout season with NEC FC. The winger previously featured for Vipers SC and KCCA FC and is widely respected for his pace, vision, and set-piece delivery.
The Cranes’ provisional squad of 41 players is drawn exclusively from the Uganda Premier League, as per CHAN regulations, which restrict participation to locally-based players.
One of the squad’s most anticipated returnees is Yunus Junior Sentamu of Vipers SC. Sentamu, who made headlines during CHAN 2014 in South Africa, returns after leading Vipers to a domestic double in the Uganda Premier League and the Stanbic Uganda Cup.
The midfield also boasts in-form players like Ronald Ssekiganda, who is on the verge of joining APR FC in Rwanda, NEC’s Enock Ssebagala, and Vipers’ Abdul-Karim Watambala. Express FC captain Emmanuel Wasswa and SC Villa’s Reagan Mpande are also among the core midfielders.
Though Bogere’s absence is a loss for Uganda’s youthful forward line, his initial selection was a sign of the coaches’ intent to balance experience with emerging talent.
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