Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Uganda’s Junior national team’s head coach, Laryea Kingston, will lead the cubs’ defence for the CECAFA U17 Championship title in Ethiopia with a completely new squad, even as the country’s historic FIFA U17 World Cup campaign gets underway in Qatar next week, the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has confirmed.
The regional tournament will run from November 15 to December 2, 2025, with matches scheduled at the Abebe Bikila Stadium and Dire Dawa Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.
FUFA clarified that the overlapping competitions will not hinder Uganda’s participation, as separate squads and technical teams have been assembled for both tournaments.
“We have built strong youth structures that can field competitive teams in different international competitions at the same time,” FUFA President Moses Magogo said. “This reflects the growth and depth of our youth football system.”
Uganda Seeks Back-to-Back Titles
Uganda enters the championship (CECAFA) as defending champions, having defeated Tanzania 2–1 in last year’s final at Nakivubo Stadium; a memorable victory that saw Arafat Nkoola and James Bogere score second-half goals after Abel Josiah Samson had put Tanzania ahead early in the match.
The 2025 CECAFA U17 Championship will also serve as the qualifier for the CAF U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco next year.
Hosts Ethiopia and defending champions Uganda are expected to be the top seeds in each of the two groups of five nations, with the top two from each pool advancing to the semifinals.
Other participating nations include Sudan, South Sudan, Burundi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Somalia, Kenya, and Djibouti, with the official draw will be conducted in Kampala on Friday.
New Coach, Assistants and Squad
Laryea Kingston will be assisted by Hamuza Lutalo, Steven Bengo, Sadam Juma, and goalkeeping coach Yasin Mugabi. Joram Katende will serve as Team Manager.
All players named in the provisional 30-man squad have undergone MRI age verification tests, confirming their eligibility. The team will train at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru before travelling to Ethiopia.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Akisam Ndaye (Rays of Grace), Muhammad Masabo (Volf Academy), Adrian Ssemugera (Solitilo Bright Stars JT), Richard Mukisa (NEC JT)
Defenders: Musa Matovu Musisi (NEC FC JT), Frank Katongole (St. Julian HS), Elisa Mukisa (St. Julian HS), Enock Mwesigwa (Volf Academy), Abulhafie Ukasha Jjemba (JCCA FC JT), Mudawakali Sumaku (Bukedea CS), Eze Kombi (Amus College), Hilala Agiga (Amus College), Musa Ssuuna (Amus College), Ibrahim Waita (Buddo SS), Trevor Mubiru (Vipers SC JT)
Midfielders: Joseph Langol (Lugazi FC JT), Eric Isabirye (Rays of Grace), Brian Olwa (Edgars Youth Academy), Bob Jerica Atendele (Edgars Youth Academy), Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC JT), Habert Cherotim (Bukedea CS), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College), Roy Olala (Buddo SS), Ashiraf Kyakuwa (Vipers SC JT), Owen Mukisa (Vipers SC JT), Victors Kahinda (Express FC)
Forwards: Shakur Ngobi (Vipers SC JT), Nicholas Kawooya (Buddo SS), Geoffrey Wasswa Ssenfuka (Bukedea CS), Lorian Kisakye Lwesibawa (St. Julian HS), Ibrahim Ali Nangalama (NEC FC JT)
While Uganda’s U17 Cubs prepare to face Canada, Chile, and France in Group K of the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar, the CECAFA squad will continue the federation’s mission to maintain dominance in the region.
FUFA President Moses Magogo noted that Uganda’s ability to field two full squads at this level demonstrates the depth and success of its youth football programs, including the FUFA Juniors Leaguethat supports sports talent development.
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