Know Your Staff: the Uganda Cranes and their Highway to CHAN 2024

By Nabakiibi Doreen Malaika

Uganda’s Cranes have secured their place in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with strong intentions to improve on past performances.

Uganda automatically qualified for the tournament as one of the three host countries, alongside Kenya and Tanzania. The CHAN tournament will take place from August 2 to 30, 2025, after being rescheduled from February 2024.

Despite automatic qualification, Uganda participated in the CECAFA regional qualifiers to prepare the team and evaluate players. Starting from the second round, Uganda faced Burundi in a two-legged fixture.

In the first leg on December 26, 2024, Isaac Ogwang scored the only goal, leading Uganda to a 1-0 victory. Uganda then held on in the second leg to complete a 2-0 aggregate win. This demonstrated their commitment to remain competitive despite already securing their spot.

Uganda Cranes: Team Profile
Uganda has participated in CHAN regularly since 2011 and will make their seventh appearance in 2024. Although they have consistently qualified, Uganda has never progressed beyond the group stage. With home advantage this time, the team aims to change that.

The coaching staff includes Fred Muhumuza and Morley Byekwaso, who are in charge of the CHAN tournament preparations. The head coach is Paul Put, a Belgian with extensive experience in African football. He joined the team in late 2023 and started non-residential training at Luzira Prison Grounds on June 23, 2025.

Squad and Training
The 41-man provisional squad announced in June 2025 consists entirely of players from local Ugandan clubs, in line with CHAN regulations that only allow domestic-based players.

Earlier, in December 2024, a 26-man squad was named for the qualifiers against Burundi. The team included players from leading Ugandan clubs such as Vipers SC, KCCA FC, SC Villa, URA FC, NEC FC, and Bul FC.

Key Players
Isaac Ogwang (Police FC): Scored the decisive goal against Burundi in the first leg of the qualifier.
Yunus Junior Sentamu (Vipers SC): A seasoned attacker included in the provisional squad.
Allan Okello (Vipers SC): A key playmaker with national and continental experience.
James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC): A young talent selected following strong performances at the U-17 level.
Expectations from Ugandans
With Uganda co-hosting the competition for the first time, expectations are high for the Cranes to advance beyond the group stage. The tournament will also serve as a test event for Uganda’s preparations ahead of co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.

Timeline
October 2024: Uganda drawn to face Burundi in CHAN qualifiers despite automatic qualification.
December 21, 2024: Final 26-man squad announced for qualifiers.
December 26, 2024: Uganda wins 1-0 in the first leg against Burundi.
December 28, 2024: Uganda wins the tie 2-0 on aggregate.
June 2025: 41-man provisional squad announced.
June 23, 2025: Non-residential training begins at Luzira Prison Grounds.
August 2–30, 2025: CHAN finals held in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.