Uganda U-17 captain Owen Mukisa has joined the Roc Nation Sports International stable, placing him alongside Brazilian star Vinicius Junior and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande.
The association adds another dimension to Mukisa’s growing profile as he prepares to captain Uganda at the Fifa U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Uganda Tourism Board has publicly identified Mukisa as part of the agency’s international family, following a meeting involving Roc Nation Sports International president Michael Yormark and UTB chief executive Juliana Kagwa back in July
The agency’s football portfolio includes Real Madrid’s Vinicius and Diomande together with Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli, according to Transfermarkt, giving the Ugandan youngster illustrious company as he develops his career.
Mukisa’s association with Roc Nation was already public before the World Cup preparations, but it will officially be made official on Tuesday at Kampala Serena Hotel.
UTB said the meeting with Yormark focused on the teenager’s ambitions and future opportunities, highlighting the potential of Uganda’s emerging sporting talent.
The international attention fits Mukisa’s ambitions which he expressed after Uganda’s recent 6-3 victory over Premier League side NEC FC in Cub’s World Cup preparations.
‘Since Afcon (U17) ended, my goal has been to score in every game I play, this tournament will be my chance to show the world who I am,’ he said.
‘It is a great opportunity because agents from big clubs will be there, so I have to work hard and score more goals.’
Those comments concerned his World Cup ambitions rather than the agency agreement, but underline his determination to turn international exposure into career progress.
Performances behind the promise
Mukisa has already demonstrated his ability to influence important matches, particularly during Uganda’s qualification campaign for Qatar.
At the U-17 Afcon in Morocco, he scored and provided an assist in Uganda’s opening 3-0 victory over DR Congo, earning the man-of-the-match award.
He also scored against Ghana in the decisive qualification play-off, which the Cubs won on penalties to secure another World Cup appearance.
Fifa subsequently named him Uganda’s player to watch in its preview of Group B, recognising his contribution during the continental tournament.
His leadership has developed alongside those performances, Kingston appointed him captain for the Cecafa qualifiers in November 2025, citing the importance of positive influence on and off the pitch.
Now, Mukisa faces the challenge of carrying that responsibility onto the global stage, where Uganda will meet South Korea, Ecuador and New Caledonia.
The tournament runs from November 19 to December 13, with Uganda seeking to build on their run to the last 16 on debut in 2025.
Roc Nation’s backing gives Mukisa a significant connection within international football, Qatar offers the opportunity to strengthen his reputation through the performances that first brought him attention.
OWEN MUKISA FACTFILE
Nationality: Ugandan
DOB: 14th/7/2011
Position: Attacking midfielder / winger
Club: Vipers Junior Team
National team: Uganda U-17, captain
Agency: Roc Nation Sports International
Other agency clients: Vinicius Junior, Yan Diomande, Gabriel Martinelli
2026 U-17 Afcon highlight: Goal, assist and man-of-the-match award against DR Congo
UGANDA AT QATAR 2026
Tournament: Fifa U-17 World Cup
Dates: November 19-December 13, 2026
Group B: Uganda, South Korea, Ecuador, New Caledonia
Group venue: Aspire Zone, Qatar
Coach: Laryea Kingston
Fixture Kick-off (EAT)
November 19: South Korea vs Uganda (4:30pm)
November 22: Ecuador vs Uganda (4pm)
November 25: Uganda vs New Caledonia (3:30pm)