Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has admitted his squad is incomplete ahead of the AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tunisia on Thursday.
The Belgian tactician cited injuries, illness and delayed arrivals of foreign-based players as major disruptions to his preparations.
A domestic contingent of seven players led by Put departed for Tunisia on Sunday to begin camp in Tunis.
Goalkeepers David Lukwago and Hannington Ssebwalunyo headline the early arrivals alongside Gift Jonathan Odongo and Geofrey Lubanga Kene.
Hillary Mukundane, Richard Basangwa and Frank Sebufu complete the first group expected to be joined by a large legion of overseas-based stars.
The foreign-based list features Denis Onyango, Toby Sibbick, Rogers Torach Ochaki and Aziz Kayondo among 22 summoned players.
Herbert Bockhorn, Nathan Asiimwe, Gavin Kizito Mugweri and Baba Alhassan are also expected to link up directly in Tunisia.
Noble Okello, Kenneth Semakula, Allan Oyirwoth and Joseph Seremba add further depth to the overseas contingent.
Allan Okello, James Bogere, Travis Mutyaba and Denis Omedi complete the attacking options alongside Rogers Mato and Hassan Mubiru.
Sadam Masereka, Steven Mukwala and Bobosi Byaruhanga round off the 29-man provisional squad for the Rades showdown.
Put praised the attitude of the early arrivals despite the fragmented build-up and limited training time.
"We are not complete, but I'm very satisfied because it's always, if you are with fewer players, it's always more difficult for the players physically," Put said.
The defensive department has suffered the heaviest blows with key players Elio and Obita sidelined through injury.
Elio has recently returned to the bench for his club while Obita remains firmly unavailable for selection.
The Cranes face Tunisia at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Rades on September 24 in their opening Group E fixture.
Source: Kawowo Sports
