Uganda Cubs head coach Kingston Laryea has named a provisional squad of 35 players as the country begins preparations for the 2026 Fifa U-17 World Cup in Qatar, with five members of last year’s historic team handed another chance to shine on the global stage.
Goalkeeper Adrian Mukwanga, Steven Oyirwoth, Isma Magala, Simon Wanyama and Abdul Ntege survived from the squad that made a memorable debut at the 2025 edition, reaching the Round of 16 and stunning world heavyweights France along the way.
Laryea, who took over from Brian Ssenyondo after the latter guided Uganda to their maiden appearance, will now attempt to build on that breakthrough when the tournament runs from November 19 to December 13.
The Ghanaian tactician has also retained several players who helped Uganda qualify for the 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations during the recently concluded Cecafa qualifiers.
The contingent includes goalkeeper Dean David Ssegirinya, named best goalkeeper; Most Valuable Player Henry Muhoozi; and tournament top scorer Arnold Kayemba.
Ireland-based striker Sebastian Fisher, Mubiru Godfrey, Ukasha Jemba Abdulshafie, Yusuf Ssenyonga, Junior Ofoyrwoth, Nicholas Kawooya and Arafaat Ibanda are among the other youngsters who have earned places on the provisional list.
Their inclusion offers Laryea a blend of experience from last year’s World Cup campaign and promising talent eager to make its mark at the highest level of youth football.
Uganda have been drawn in Group B alongside South Korea, Ecuador and New Caledonia. The top two teams in each of the 12 groups will advance to the Round of 32, alongside the eight best third-placed sides.
The tournament will be staged at Qatar’s Aspire Zone complex, with the final scheduled for December 13 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
Uganda are among 10 African representatives, alongside Tanzania, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Senegal and Mozambique.
The provisional squad will enter preparations before Laryea trims his selection for the tournament, where the Cubs will seek to prove that their maiden World Cup adventure was no one-off.
Uganda Cubs provisional squad
Goalkeepers – Dean David Ssegirinya (Rays of Grace SA), Kasumba Hamidu (Vipers SC), Lukyamuzu Ashraf (KCCA FC), Mubiru Geofrey (Amus College FC) and Mukwanga Adrian (Vipers SC)
In-field players – Babi Shakur (Buddo SS), Joseph Dorongin (Rays of Grace SA), Sebastian Fisher (Patrick Thistle), Arafat Ibanda (NEC FC), Inshirah Mahyoub (Kibuli SSS), Ismail Fahad (KCCA FC), Jemba Ukasha (KCCA FC), Kawooya Nicholas (Buddo SS), Arnold Kayemba (Masaka Sunshine School), Edrine Kiddu (Bukedea CS), Eze Kombi (Amus College FC), Lorian Lwesibawa (Vipers SC), Isma Magala (Masaka Sunshine School), Mujad Mbalire (Masaka Sunshine School), Trevor Mubiru (KCCA FC), Henry Muhoozi (Amus College FC), Owen Mukisa (Vipers SC), Ngobi Shakur (Greenlight Islamic SS), Ntege Abdul (Maroons FC), Junior Ofoyrwth (Masaka Sunshine School), Thomas Ogema (KCCA FC), Olwa Brian (Edgars Youth Academy), Owino Brian (Vipers SC), Steven Oyirwoth (North Carolina Tar Heels), Enock Mwesigwa (Volf Soccer Academy), Yusuf Ssenyonga (Bukedea CS), Simon Wanyama (Bukedea CS), Mussa Sunna (Amus College FC), Waita Ibrahim (Buddo SS) and Steven Balaggadde (Bukedea CS).