Kampala, Uganda: Uganda Cranes co-head coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza have confirmed a final 26-man squad for the upcoming CECAFA 4-Nations Tournament scheduled from July 21 to 27, 2025, at Karatu Stadium in Tanzania’s Arusha region.
Following weeks of training at the Prisons Grounds in Luzira, the technical team has dropped goalkeeper Hannington Ssebwalunyo, midfielder Shamir Kimwero, and defender Ronald Otti from the provisional squad.
The tournament serves as a critical warm-up for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), which kicks off on August 2.
Uganda will face regional rivals Kenya, hosts Tanzania, and reigning CHAN champions Senegal—who were confirmed as replacements for Congo Brazzaville after the latter’s withdrawal last week.
The tournament will be played in a round-robin format, with the team accumulating the most points declared champions. In adherence to CHAN regulations, only players plying their trade in their domestic leagues are eligible to feature.
Uganda opens their campaign on July 21 against Kenya. Tanzania will play Senegal on July 22. The Cranes return on July 24 to face Senegal, while Tanzania hosts Kenya. The final fixtures on July 27 will pit Kenya against Senegal, before Uganda rounds off with Tanzania.
Notably, Sudan, another CECAFA member nation and CHAN qualifier, pulled out to focus on domestic football engagements.
Uganda will be making a seventh appearance at the CHAN finals. Drawn in Group C alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa, the Cranes’ campaign will unfold entirely at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Uganda’s first CHAN fixture is against Algeria on August 4, followed by Guinea on August 8, Niger on August 11, and South Africa on August 18. The Cranes are chasing history by attempting to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
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