Uganda Cranes have started a training camp in the Egyptian capital Cairo ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers against Mozambique.

The home-based player left for Egypt in the wee hours of Saturday while the foreign-based players will join from their respective clubs.

Uganda will face Mozambique in Cairo, Egypt on Thursday 20th March and host Guinea four days later at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

The Craanes are currently fifth in Group G on six points same as Guinea and Botswana, Algeria and Mozambique have nine each while Somalia is yet to pick a point.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda)

Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Sloven Liberec, Czech Republic, Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Toby Shibbick (Wigan AFC, England), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda)

Midfielders: Khalid Aucho (Yanga Africans, Tanzania), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Bordeaux, France), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC, Uganda)

Forwards: Denis Omedi (APR, Rwanda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Muhammad Shaban (Al Anwar Al Abyar, Libya), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Mjallby IF, Sweden), Rogers Mato (FC Vardar, North Macedonia), Patrick Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Hakim Kiwanuka (APR FC, Rwanda)

In March 2024, Wigan Athletic’s Tobby Peter Sibbick earned his first call-up to the Uganda National Team. At the time, the Cranes were preparing for two international friendlies against Ghana and Comoros.

The defender went on to make his international debut during the two games that were played at Stade Grande Marrakech in Morocco.

Sibbik was born to a Ugandan mother and an English father and raised in West London. He came through the youth system with AFC Wimbledon, signing his first professional contract with the Dons back in August 2016.

Having made his senior bow against Peterborough United in April 2017, Sibbick’s real first-team breakthrough came in the 2018/19 Sky Bet League One season, where he made 31 appearances across all competitions.

Showcasing his versatility and clear quality, Sibbick’s eye-catching form earned him a move to the division above with Barnsley in the summer of 2019 where he made 18 Championship appearances in the first half of the 2019/20 campaign before his first stint (loan) with Hearts.

Despite a promising start at Heart, his time at Tynecastle was cut short by injury, illness, and a curtailed season due to Covid-19.

After a loan stint at Belgian side Oostende, and a return to Barnsley’s first team, Sibbick re-joined the Scottish Premiership side in January 2022 on a permanent transfer.

He soon established his place in the starting line-up and immortalised himself at Tynecastle in the 2022/23 campaign.

He made 41 appearances during his first full season in Scotland, playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League and helping Hearts finish fourth.

The 2023/24 season saw Sibbick feature 29 times and make his international debut for Uganda.

On Monday, March 10 Uganda Cranes’ head coach named the squad for the upcoming Fifa World Cup Qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea. Sabbik was among the defenders named in the squad.

Quick Profile

• Name: Toby Peter Sibbick
• D.OB: 23 May 1999
• Position: Defender
• Current Club: Wigan Athletic

The Victoria Cup, an annual golf tournament between Uganda and Kenya, is no different from other clashes between the two countries as it serves a delicious buffet of smiles and tears.

Last year at Uganda Golf Club, Kitante, Uganda and Kenya shared the spoils after three gripping days, and next week the two will once again lock horns at Mt. Kipipiri Golf & Resort in Naivasha.

Kenya are the defending champions, an honour they retained after drawing with the Ugandan national team at Uganda Golf Club in Kitante.

Team Uganda will once again be captained by Joseph Cwinya-ai, whose experience will be vital against a strong Kenyan side led by former Uganda Open champion John Lejirma.

Cwinya-ai’s ten-man team includes Joseph Reagan Akena, Elton Thembo, Titus Okwong, John Musiimenta, Abdul Kakeeto, and Abdallah Kakooza.

Other members are junior golfers Peter Mayende, Anthony Otukei, and Ibrahim Ssemakula who currently hold the future of the sport in the country.

For better preparations, the team will spend a week acclimatizing to the conditions in Kipipiri for the three-day tournament that tees off on March 20.

Notably, three golfers, Cwinya-ai, Akena, and Okwong, are already in Kenya, where they are competing in the Kenya Amateur Golf series.

Flagging off the team at the National Council of Sports headquarters at Lugogo, acting assistant NCS General Secretary Sarah Chelangat expressed confidence in the national team.

“Go and perform to the best of your ability and return with the trophy,” she remarked at a briefing this morning attended by Uganda Golf Union President Jackson Were.

Chelangat also stated that the government had funded all expenses of the national team, so golfers should not worry about anything but focus on the green.

Cwinya-ai, meanwhile, has promised a spectacular showing from the team. “Kenya are familiar opponents, but we know that we can match them punch for punch,” he said.

The rest of the team travels to Kipipiri on Wednesday together with national team coach Flavia Namakula and team manager Paul Habyarimana.

Uganda Golf Club Lady Captain announced the hosting of the UGC Lady Captain’s Prize scheduled for Saturday, March 15 at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club, Kitante.

The Uganda Golf Club Ladies Section held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday, February 27th, marking the end of the term for the Lady Captain and her team.

Over 160 are expected to take the course for the one-day tournament.

Lady Captain’s Prize, an event held at the end of each UGC Lady Captain’s term, will be overseen by Wendy Angudeyo, who served two terms as Lady Captain and will be handing over to the new executive at the 19th hole.

“I am honoured to have served as UGC Lady Captain for two years. It has been tough, but I enjoyed every moment. I am grateful to the outgoing team for all the work they put in to make my tenure a success,” she noted.

“It is your commitment that made this enjoyable, and we shared all our successes together. I wish the new executive all the best,” added Wendy Angudeyo, the outgoing UGC Lady Captain.

The new executive comprises Gloria Mbaguta (Lady Captain), Sarah Nduhukire (Vice Lady Captain), Catherine Wabomba (Secretary), and Suzan Tashobya (Treasurer).

Uganda’s Silverbacks qualified for a fourth straight AfroBasket.

The 16-team field for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket including Silverbacks was confirmed following the conclusion of the qualifiers on Sunday, February 23.

Qualification Path

The qualifiers were played through three (3) tournaments at the end of which the three (3) highest-ranked teams in each group qualified for the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 finals, which will take place from 12 to 24 August 2024 in Angola.

Since Angola, the host of FIBA AfroBasket 2025, was among the top three teams in AfroBasket Qualifiers Group E, the best fourth-placed team across the five groups—based on the Official Basketball Rules— which was Uganda qualified.

Uganda finished the qualifiers with a 2-4 record through the qualifiers. The Silverbacks picked the win against Cape Verde on Friday but lost the subsequent games to Nigeria and Libya.

The full list of teams qualified for the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket

• Angola
• Cameroon
• Cape Verde
• Cote d’Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Egypt
• Guinea
• Libya
• Madagascar
• Mali
• Nigeria
• Rwanda
• Senegal
• South
• Sudan
• Tunisia
• Uganda

Uganda Teen Cranes head coach Sheryl Botes has announced a provisional squad of 32 players for camp ahead of the second qualifying round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2025.

The Teen Cranes will face Kenya with the first leg set for March 8 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo and the return leg scheduled for March 16 in Kenya.

Uganda secured their place in this round after an emphatic 18-1 aggregate victory over Namibia in the first phase of qualification.

The ultimate goal is to secure a spot in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, 2025.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

1. Nabbosa Haira – Kawempe Muslim SS WFC
2. Namutebi Sharifah Kizito – Kampala Queens FC
3. Angudeyo Brenda – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
4. Tendo Jemimah Bynum – Rines SS WFC

Defenders

5. Babirye Martha – El Cambio
6. Nambuusi Ritah Anitah – Devine Soccer Academy
7. Assimwe Zidah – Boni Consilii Girls FC
8. Niwandinda Mackline – Boni Consilii Girls FC
9. Abahwera Shabella – Makerere University WFC
10. Katusiime Charity – Tagy WFC
11. Tushemerirwe Evas – Boni Consilii Girls FC
12. Mupyanga Halima – Rines SS WFC
13. Kainza Joyce – Amus College WFC
14. Imurinde Uwayo Ashanti – Boni Consilii Girls FC
15. Apetcho Elizabeth – Bukedea Comprehensive

Midfielders

16. Nalunkuuma Bushirah M. – Rines SS WFC
17. Namukabirye Shamirah – Rines SS WFC
18. Nandyowa Nusifah – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC
19. Balinabyo Hadijah – Jinja City Queens FC
20. Ainemababazi Esther – Boni Consilii Girls FC
21. Asanyo Patience – El Cambio
22. Aujat Dorine – Amus College WFC
23. Namataka Mariam – Amus College WFC
24. Komugisha Loyce – Boni Consilii Girls FC
25. Ayerango Justine – Rines SS WFC
26. Namulindwa Joan Kizza – Boni Consilii Girls FC
27. Nabirye Shadia – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
28. Ayiorwoth Peace – Boni Consilii Girls FC

Forwards

29. Nabukenya Agnes – Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
30. Ariho Rinah – Boni Consilii Girls FC
31. Ainemababazi Angel – Rines SS WFC
32. Nakintu Nusulah – Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC

Uganda U17 men’s national team, fondly known as the Cubs, has taken a significant step towards the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Head coach Brian Ssenyondo has summoned a 37-man provisional squad for preparations ahead of the continental tournament to be hosted in Morocco. The squad is expected to enter camp on Monday, February 24 at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.

The Cubs earned their place in the AFCON tournament as CECAFA region champions, having put up a spirited performance in the qualifiers. Their thrilling 2-1 victory over Tanzania in the final was a testament to their resilience, skill, and teamwork.

Ssenyondo has opted for continuity in his selection, retaining the majority of players who played an instrumental role in Uganda’s CECAFA U17 triumph. These players already have an established understanding of each other’s playing styles and tactics, which gives them a competitive edge heading into the tournament.

However, the squad has also been strengthened with new additions, primarily drawn from the FUFA Juniors League and standout performers from school competitions. These fresh faces bring extra energy and depth to the team, ensuring a well-balanced squad ready to take on Africa’s best.

Uganda is in a challenging Group A, where they will battle against the host nation Morocco, fierce regional rivals Tanzania, and a strong Zambian side. Each of these teams presents a unique challenge, and the Cubs must be at their best to advance to the knockout stages.

The Squad

Goalkeepers: Lukyamuzi Ashiraf (KCCA FC SA), Waibi Edrisah (Wakiso Giants FC JT), Mukwanga Adrian (Vipers SC JT), Kakaire Nicholas (Soltilo Bright Stars FC JT), Aaron Zziwa (Working FC Academy-England)

Defenders: Torach Elvis (Masaka Sunshine FC), Oyirwoth Pius (KCCA FC SA), Steven Oyirwoth (KCCA FC SA), Ssengooba Hamuza (Masaka Sunshine FC), Nsereko Jovan Mukisa (NEC FC JT), Kayiza Raymond Serunyigo (Soltilo Bright Stars FC JT), Buluma Sudiki (Police FC JT), Shaban Ali (Express FC JT), Mukisa Marcus Jonathan (SC Villa JT), Latigo King Sammy (Empire FC)

Midfielders: Jjara Brain (KCCA FC SA), Walusimbi Abubakali (Vipers SC JT), Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC), Okello Richard (BUL FC JT), Kabiito Marvin (Vipers SC JT), Owino John Brian (Express FC JT), Kyakuwa Ashiraf (Vipers SC JT), Ogema Thomas (KCCA FC SA), Kamurungi Nuweagaba (Kitara FC JT), Ssozi Derrick (Fort Portal Tax Operators FC), Langol Joseph (Poarhinar Soccer Academy), Ssembusi Patrick (Amus College School), Amaku Guot (Brooke House College-England)

Forwards: Magogo Shakur Lucky Baggio (Namilyango College School), Nkoola Arafat (Vipers SC JT), Bogere James (Masaka Sunshine FC), Wanyama Simon (Vipers SC JT), Ntege Abdul Lukenge (Maroons FC JT), Masudi Raphael (KCCA FC SA), Babalanda Tom (BUL FC JT), Mubiru Mahad (Mbale Heroes FC JT), Joel Kigenyi (Bukedea Comprehensive SS)

Technical Team

• Ssenyondo Brian – Head Coach
• Ssali Ronald – Assistant Coach
• Magada Keneth – Goalkeeper Coach
• Massa Simeon – Fitness Coach
• Kizito Dennis – Trainer
• Mutyaba Bashir – Team Manager
• Gumisiriza Micheal – Team Doctor
• Kulika Ivan – Team Doctor
• Damba Veron – Equipment Manager
• Kivumbi Joel Cornerious – Media Officer

The DP World Tour Magical Kenya Open is undoubtedly the grandest stage for any golfer coming out of Uganda. With a huge gallery, a global television network and the cream of the DP World golfers on the draw, stage fright is almost certainly going to come into play for an
inexperienced but talented golfer.

That was the story for Joseph Cwinya-ai. Playing in his biggest career tournament ever, the Toro-born golfer found the going tough at the par-71 Muthaiga GC. He shot a 10-over 81 to finish the day in 146th position. “The truth is that everything was a learning experience for me,” a candid Cwinya-ai admitted.

He, however, hopes to play a more improved second round. “I know my mistakes from today and come tomorrow, I will lower that terrible score,” he noted. Cwinya-ai is competing in Muthaiga as an amateur having come in as a late replacement for US-based Michael Alunga.
The latter had won the slot after winning the Kenya Amateur Match Play Championship where he defeated Cwinya-ai in the final.

Meanwhile Uganda’s lone professional at the Magical Kenya Open, Willy Deus Kitata, also faces an uphill task to make the cut. The flamboyant Kitata, who only qualified for the tournament after a tough 36-hole qualifier at Vet Lab on Monday, returned a card of six-over 77 in his first Magical Open.

Kitata birdied holes 9, 16 and 18 but double bogeys on 11, 17 and a triple on the par-3 fifth messed his day’s efforts. East Africa’s best golfer on the opening day was Kenya’s Riz Charania who closed at two-under to give himself a genuine chance to make the cut. Last year, the only
golfer to make the cut from this region was Ronald Rugumayo.

Closely behind Charania is Kenya’s Daniel Nduva, a former winner of the Uganda Open title as an amateur, who shot a one-under 70. East Africa’s best amateur golfer Michael Karanga is one-over but it was a tough day for Dismas Indiza Anyonyi who closed his round with a 75.

Meanwhile, a huge number of Ugandans have descended upon Muthaiga to lend their support to Cwinya-ai and Kitata. Given the growing interest of Ugandans in the Magical Open, there is a compelling case for the country to host a DP World Tour event in the foreseeable future.

Esther Aganyira topped the second tournament of the MTN Monthly Tee at Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday.

Playing off Handicap 36, Aganyira returned a nett score of 64 to record her best performance in the one-day tournament.

Meanwhile, Peace Hellen topped the ladies category with 66 nett and assumed the leaderboard of the Order of Merit after two rounds. Nice Janda played her best round of the year returning 67 nett good enough to take the runners-up spot.

In the men’s category, Paul Nuwagaba topped Group A with 69 nett with Lino Anguzi taking second place with 71 on countback.

Ugandan pro golfer Willy Deus Kitata will play at the 2025 Magical Kenya Open after topping the qualifiers played at Vetlab Sports Club in Nairobi, Kenya on Monday.

The US-based golfer scored 149 gross (+5) in the two rounds (36 Holes) played on the same day to emerge victorious in a crop that had other Ugandans, Nigerians, Rwandese and Malawians.

Kitata played 4-over-76 in round one with a birdie on the par-4 hole 10. He had 13 par scores on holes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17 and 18), two bogies (on holes 13 and 14) as well as a single double bogie on par-4 hole 3.

His second round in the afternoon was a much better session as he returned 1-over 73 including two birdies (on holes 1 and 12), 13 pars (4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) and three bogies (on holes 2, 3 and 8).

Kitata joins amateur Joseph Cwinya-ai at the DP World Tour championship that is scheduled to tee off on Thursday, 20^th February and climax by 23^rd February at the Muthaiga Golf Club in the Kenyan caapital Nairobi.