By Bob Kasiita
Uganda Cranes co-coaches Morley Byekwaso and Fred Muhumuza have narrowed down their provisional squad for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) from 41 to 29 players, signaling a pivotal phase in preparations as the team intensifies training ahead of the tournament kickoff.
With just weeks to go until Uganda co-hosts CHAN 2024 alongside Kenya and Tanzania, the Uganda Cranes technical bench has made major changes to the squad, axing 12 players from the initial provisional list. The remaining 29 are now undergoing rigorous non-residential training at Luzira Prisons Grounds, focusing on tactical polishing and physical conditioning.
Among the high-profile names dropped from the squad are NEC FC’s Paul Mucureezi and Vipers SC forward Milton Karisa, both sidelined due to injuries. Their absence leaves noticeable gaps in Uganda’s midfield creativity and attacking depth.
Another significant exclusion is SC Villa’s Ronald Ssekiganda, who has been released from the camp as he nears a transfer to Rwandan giants APR FC. Since CHAN only allows players currently active in their domestic leagues, Ssekiganda’s move across borders makes him ineligible.
Also missing from the updated squad are defenders Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), James Begisa (URA FC), David Owori (SC Villa), and Jacob Okao (NEC FC); midfielders Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), and Aslam Semakula (SC Villa); and forwards Charles Lwanga (SC Villa) and Baden Ogama (Maroons FC).
In a promising development, NEC FC midfielder Shamir Kimwero has received his maiden call-up to the national team, replacing Ssekiganda. His inclusion marks a significant milestone in what has been a steadily rising club career.
As training enters its third week, the Cranes have welcomed retired national team captain Denis Onyango to the camp. The former Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper, currently on holiday, will offer his mentorship to the goalkeepers, sharing his vast international experience to bolster Uganda’s last line of defense.
Uganda is placed in Group C of CHAN 2024, alongside Algeria, Guinea, Niger, and South Africa. The Cranes will begin their campaign on Monday, August 4, at the newly refurbished Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, facing off against North African giants Algeria.
With the tournament set to take place on home soil, pressure is mounting on the team to deliver a strong performance. The coaching staff is now shifting focus toward fine-tuning strategy, enhancing player cohesion, and ramping up match fitness as final squad selection looms.
CHAN 2024 presents Uganda with a golden opportunity to impress at continental level, and the narrowed squad now represents the best shot at delivering a historic run in front of a home crowd.
