Cranes Final Squad For CHAN Revealed

Uganda Cranes squad that wil take part in the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been confirmed.

Cranes during CECAFA 3 Nations Championship Photo courtesy.

This tournament is meant for players featuring in their local leagues at home will kickoff in August 2nd -30th , 2025 jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda .

Uganda recently was in Arusha were they competed in a 3 Nations Pre CHAN Tournament aimed at preparing them for the tournament. They lost 1-0 to Tanzania and defeated Senegal 2-1 .

Goalkeeper Chripas Kusiima during training sessions at Luzira Prisons Playground Photo courtesy

Uganda Cranes were drawn in group C alongside Niger, Algeria, South Africa and Guinea. Uganda will start their campaign against Algeria on 4th of August at 8pm – Nelson Mandela National Stadium Namboole.

The squad comprises of three goalkeepers namely Denis Kiggundu from Vipers SC, Joel Mutakabwa from BUL FC and Chrispas Kusiima from Kitara Football Club.

Joel Mutakabwa during training sessions at Luzira Prisons Playground photo courtesy.

NEC Football Club will be represented by one player Gideon Odongo.

Defender Arnold Odong, Elvis Ngondwe, Patrick Kakande and Reagan Mpande are from SC Villa in the photo below.

Photo courtesy.

Apart from Joel Mutakabwa BUL FC will be represented by Leftback Nicholas Mwere .

Shirt 5 Nicholas Mwere from BUL FC together with Marvin Youngman from Vipers SC Photo Courtesy.

Yunus Ssentamu from Vipers SC is the most experienced player in the squad having featured in the 2014 CHAN tournament 11 years ago .

In Yellow jersey is Yunus Sentamu during the three nations tournament in Arusha.

Other players from the Uganda Premier League champions Vipers SC include Hillary Mukundane, Rogers Torach , Denis Kiggundu, Enock ssebaggala, Karim Watambala.

The 2024-25 Startimes Uganda Premier league top scorer with 19 goals Allan Okello is also part of the squad.

Okello in action against Tanzania Photo courtesy.

Usama Arafat who contract expired with KCCA FC as per recent reports is also part of the squad.

Shafik Kwikiriza, Joel Sserunjogi, Gavin Kizito, Lazaro Muhindo, Emmanuel Anyama plus new signings Hebert Achai and Ivan Ahimbisibwe are from KCCA FC.

Lazaro Bwambale together with Gavin Kizito Photo courtesy

The Uganda Cranes final 25-man squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) features a mix of experienced players and young talents from the Uganda Premier League.

Goalkeepers

• Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC)
• Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
• Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders

• Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC)
• Lazaro Muhindo (KCCA FC)
• Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC)
• Gideon Odongo (NEC FC)
• Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC)
• Arnold Odong (SC Villa)
• Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
• Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

• Marvin Youngman (Vipers SC)
• Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC)
• Elvis Ngondwe (SC Villa)
• Reagan Mpande (SC Villa)
• Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)
• Enock Ssebagala (Vipers SC)
• Allan Okello (Vipers SC), captain of the team

Forwards

• Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
• Kiza Arafat (Usama Arafat) (KCCA FC)
• Emmanuel Anyama (KCCA FC)
• Yunus Sentamu (Vipers SC)
• Patrick Kakande (SC Villa)
• Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC)
• Ivan Ahimbisibwe ( KCCA FC new signing)

Uganda’s CHAN campaign kicks off on August 4, 2025, against Algeria at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Namboole. The team is in Group C alongside Niger, Guinea, Algeria, and South Africa.