Africa-Press – Uganda. Former Uganda Cranes captain Denis Onyango has dramatically come out of international retirement to join the national squad for the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Somalia and Mozambique.
On Wednesday, Cranes head coach Paul Put revealed a 26-man roster for two vital home fixtures, with Onyango’s name among the three goalkeepers selected.
The returning skipper brings invaluable experience, having led Uganda to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2017 and 2019, and been crowned Africa’s best player based on the continent in 2016.
Background: Onyango’s retirement was anything but quiet
Onyango originally announced his retirement in April 2021, following Uganda’s failure to qualify for AFCON 2021.
The notice was delivered in a letter addressed to FUFA president Moses Magogo, effective immediately.
The timing sparked speculation, especially as it followed the eruption of leaked audio in which Onyango, 40, purportedly complained of misappropriation of players’ emoluments by some top officials.
Another notable inclusion is goalkeeper Salim Magoola, who has been absent from national team duty since November 2023.
The 30-year-old keeper’s exclusion has been generating considerable debate, given his strong performances for his South African club, Richards Bay FC.
Uganda, currently fourth in Group G with nine points, will host Somalia on Friday, 5 September, and Mozambique on Monday, 8 September, both at 7:00 pm at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
To gear up for these decisive clashes, the Cranes will enter camp at FUFA Hotel, Kisaasi, on Sunday, 31 August. Expect focused training and attention to tactical cohesion.
Onyango’s return adds a wealth of leadership and calm under pressure to the squad.
Coupled with Magoola’s possible redemption arc, their inclusion helps solidify a goalkeeping unit laden with both pedigree and purpose.
As Uganda seeks to climb the standings in a tightly contested Group G, the blend of experienced campaigners and fresh talent may be the spark needed to reignite World Cup aspirations.
Here’s the summoned squad;
Goalkeepers:
Onyango Denis (Mamelodi Sundowns FC, South Africa), Magoola Salim Omar (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Alionzi Nafian (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Mutakubwa Joel (BUL FC, Uganda)
Defenders:
Bwomono Elvis (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland), Bockhorn Herbert (FC Magdeburg, Germany), Capradossi Elio (FC Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Torach Rogers (Vipers SC, Uganda), Sibbick Toby (Burton Albion FC, England), Mukundane Hilary (Vipers SC, Uganda), Obita Jordan (Hibernian FC, Scotland), Kayondo Aziz (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Achayi Herbert (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kizito Gavin (KCCA FC, Uganda).
Midfielders:
Ssekiganda Ronald (APR FC, Rwanda), Semakula Kenneth (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Sserunjogi Joel (KCCA FC, Uganda), Watambala Abdu Karim (Vipers SC, Uganda), Mutyaba Travis (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia).
Forwards:
Omedi Denis (APR FC, Rwanda), Okello Allan (Vipers SC, Uganda), Mpande Joseph (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Mato Rogers (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Mpande Reagan (SC Villa, Uganda), Ssemugabi Jude (Kitara FC, Uganda), Dembe John Paul (AC Hackens, Sweden), Kakande Patrick Jonah (SC Villa, Uganda), Ssemugabi Jude (Kitara FC, Uganda), Dembe John Paul (AC Hackens, Sweden), Kakande Patrick Jonah (SC Villa, Uganda), Ikpeazu Uchechukwu (St. Johnstone FC, Scotland).
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