Uganda U-17 head coach Laryea Kingston has named a 20-man squad for the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Championship in Rwanda, which doubles as the regional qualifier for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.
The Cubs left Uganda on Tuesday for Kigali. The tournament runs from Saturday, October 10, to October 19.
The format
Uganda are in Group B with Ethiopia and Burundi. Hosts Rwanda, Sudan and Somalia make up Group A, while defending champions Tanzania are in Group C with Djibouti and Kenya.
The three group winners and the best second-placed team reach the semi-finals. The two finalists and the winner of the third-place play-off qualify for the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.
World Cup core retained
Kingston has kept three players who helped Uganda qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup: Henry Muhoozi, Arafaat Ibanda and Nicholas Kawooya.
The squad also includes Arsenal academy defender Isaiah Swaibu Matthews, although he will not play in competitive matches.
FUFA Corporate Affairs Director Ahmed Hussein said Swaibu Matthews will travel for acclimatisation and international exposure, as part of FUFA's programme to bring diaspora and emerging talent into the national youth teams.
"Also named to the final squad travelling to Kigali is Arsenal's Isaiah Swaibu Matthews, who, while not going to feature in competitive action, will travel as part of FUFA's strategic integration programme for diaspora and emerging talents," Hussein said.
Swaibu Matthews is a right-back who has come through Arsenal's Hale End academy and is eligible to represent England, Jamaica or Uganda.
The Fisher brothers
The squad also includes 16-year-old striker Sebastian Fisher, who is linked to Scottish club Partick Thistle.
Sebastian and his 18-year-old brother Olly were born in Scotland but qualify for Uganda through their mother, Kate, who was born in Uganda. Olly is eligible for the Uganda Hippos.
The brothers learned of Uganda's interest about six months ago, after their father spoke to a football consultant at a match in Nigeria. They later attended U-17 and U-20 training camps.
Sebastian was among 39 players who went through the residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru before the final squad was picked.
Chasing a fifth title
Uganda have won the CECAFA U-17 Championship four times, in 2009, 2018, 2020 and 2024.
The Cubs won two titles in a row before Tanzania ended their run with a 3-2 win in last year's final in Ethiopia. Uganda missed the 2022 edition but returned in 2025, reaching the final before losing to Tanzania.
Kingston's side will now aim to win the regional title back and secure another place at the continental finals.
Full squad
Goalkeepers: Rodrick Collins Obbo (KCCA Junior Team), David Dean Segirinya (Rays of Grace Soccer Academy), Godfrey Mubiru (AMUS College).
Defenders: Martin Paecel Kayiwa (URA Junior Team), Mutawakali Sumaku (Rays of Grace Academy), Abdulshafie Jemba Ukasha (KCCA Junior Team), Najib Kivumbi (Excel Soccer Academy), Abudallah Wandera (Rays of Grace Soccer Academy), Shaldon Ssevume (KS Sparta 09), Isaiah Swaibu Matthews (Arsenal FC).
Midfielders: Henry Muhoozi (AMUS College), Yusuf Ssenyonga (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Arnold Kayemba (El Cambio Academy), Jeremiah Bwire (Jinja S.S.), Joseph Ssebufuu (Kampala Junior Team).
Forwards: Richard Harold Egwangu (Buckswood School Football Academy, England), Junior Ofoyth (El Cambio Soccer Academy), Nicholas Kawooya (Budoo SS), Arafaat Ibanda (Ebenezer Soccer Academy), Sebastian Fisher (Partick Thistle).
Source: FUFA
