Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a squad of 26 players ahead of the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 Qualifiers.

Uganda will lock horns with Burundi in a two-legged tie that is scheduled for December 26 and 28. Both games will take place at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The squad is made of three goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and nine forwards.

The squad is dominated by Vipers who have seven representatives followed by KCCA and NEC who have three representatives respectively.

Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania have already secured their slots in the final tournament which is scheduled for February 1 to 28 2025.

The team will kick start its preparations on Saturday, December 21 before entering camp at Nob View Hotel.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)

Midfielders

Joel Sseunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Forwards

Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Samuel Ssenyonjo (Express FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Jarieko (NEC FC)

Soltilo Bright Stars are determined to turn their season around as they face UPDF FC in a Uganda Premier League clash at Kavumba Recreation Grounds.

The hosts have endured a tough campaign, losing four of their last five matches and registering just one win all season.

That solitary victory came in November, a narrow 1-0 triumph over Kitara FC. Bright Stars currently sit at the bottom of the league table with six points from 11 matches.

Despite their struggles, Bright Stars can draw confidence from their strong home record against UPDF FC.

The Army side has only managed one win in seven visits to Kavumba, with the remaining encounters resulting in two defeats and four draws.

Bright Stars come into the match on the back of a 1-0 loss to NEC FC at the MTN Omondi Stadium, while UPDF FC is looking to recover from a 1-1 draw against Mbale Heroes at the Bombo Barracks Military Ground.

UPDF FC has also faced challenges on the road this season, winning just once in their last five away matches—a victory against BUL FC.

They have suffered three losses and picked up two draws in their travels. Currently, they sit 7th on the league table with 17 points from 11 matches.

Historically, UPDF FC holds an edge with six wins in 17 meetings against Bright Stars. However, their last away victory against Bright Stars dates back to 2016, a 1-0 win at Champions Stadium, Mwererwe.

This match holds extra significance for UPDF FC’s head coach, who will face his former team with the goal of securing only their second away victory against Bright Stars.

Last season, both teams won their respective home fixtures, with Bright Stars defeating UPDF FC 2-1 in Kavumba, while UPDF FC claimed a 1-0 victory in Bombo.

Both sides will be eager to secure maximum points, with Bright Stars fighting to climb off the bottom of the table and UPDF FC aiming to solidify their place in the top half.

Gaddafi secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Busoga United in a FUFA Big League encounter at the Works Playground on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.

Rashid Kawawa, Thomas Kakaire, and substitute Jonathan Bula all found the back of the net for the home side in an impressive display.

Kawawa opened the scoring in the 34th minute with a clinical finish, capitalizing on a precise through pass from team captain Kakaire. Gaddafi took a narrow 1-0 lead into the halftime break.

The second half saw Gaddafi extend their dominance. Kakaire doubled the lead with a stunning 20-yard curler into the top corner, leaving the Busoga United goalkeeper helpless.

Jonathan Bula sealed the victory with a perfectly executed penalty after being fouled in the box. The Congolese substitute coolly sent the goalkeeper, Didi, the wrong way to make it 3-0.

Kakaire came close to adding a second goal but was denied by the crossbar in the closing stages of the game.

At full-time, referee Vincent Kavuma’s whistle sparked celebrations among Gaddafi’s players, officials, and fans, marking another successful outing on home turf.

This was Gaddafi’s sixth win of the season in nine matches, propelling them to the top of the league standings with 20 points. They are level with Blacks Power but lead on goal difference, with Blacks Power having played one more game.

Meanwhile, Busoga United suffered their sixth defeat in 11 matches, leaving them second from the bottom in the 15-team league table.

Uganda Premier League | Fixture

• Bright Stars vs UPDF
• BUL vs NEC

NEC is set to take on BUL in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Lugazi Stadium on Wednesday, December 18.

The Die Hards seek to improve their home form in the game they will take on BUL at Lugazi Stadium.

In the five games played away from home, they have collected two wins, a draw and two losses.

NEC head coach Hussein Mbalangu has called upon his troops to improve their away form to match home form.

“I want to see the same fight players always put up in home games brought to away matches as well,” Mbalangu said.

“The two losses registered this season have all come when playing away including a draw at Hamz Stadium,” the gaffer added.

BUL has faced NEC four times. NEC has won twice while the other two matches ended in stalemates.

Other Matches

Thursday, December 19

• URA vs Lugazi
• Police vs Maroons

Friday, December 20

• Mbale Heroes vs Vipers
• KCCA vs SC Villa

Saturday, December 21

Kitara vs Express

The UPL secretariat has announced changes to the fixture schedule to allow the Uganda Cranes in the upcoming 2024 CHAN Qualifiers.

Uganda will lock horns with Burundi in a two-legged tie scheduled for December 26 and December 29, 2024.

The CHAN tournament which features locally-based players forced UPL adjustments to ensure that key players for the national team get proper preparations.

As a result, the match day 14 switched from Tuesday, December 24 to Friday, December 27, 2024.

Match day 14 is set to begin on Thursday, January 2, and conclude on Sunday, January 5, 2025.

In the same breath, Match Day 15, initially planned to start on Saturday, December 28, 2024, will now kick off on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Meanwhile, Match Day 13 remains unchanged and will proceed as scheduled this Wednesday. The fixtures include Bright Stars vs. UPDF at Kavumba and BUL vs. NEC at Najjembe in Lugazi.

• FT: Bukono 0-1 Butembe

Butembe emerged as champions of the seventh edition of the MTN Busoga Masaza Cup, which concluded over the weekend at Bugembe Stadium.

Ivan Nakalanga’s decisive finish secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory for Butembe against Bukono in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd.

The match started brightly for Butembe, with Nakalanga’s early goal sending fans into jubilation.

Despite Bukono’s persistent attempts to equalize, Butembe’s resolute defence held firm, ensuring they maintained a clean sheet and clinched the title.

His Royal Highness, William Wilberforce Gabula, honoured the grand finale with his presence, presenting the trophy to the well-deserving champions.

The tournament has not only offered a platform for young, raw talent to shine but has also fostered unity among the people of the Busoga region.

• Uganda Premier League | Results
• Wakiso Giants 1-2 KCCA

KCCA FC returned to winning ways on Sunday, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.

Both teams entered the game struggling for form. Wakiso Giants are now winless in nine matches, while KCCA had failed to win in their last four outings.

KCCA took an early lead in the 14th minute when Etienne Katenga finished a fine pass from Sharif Ssengendo. However, the hosts equalized 12 minutes later through Hudson Mbalire, who headed in Timothy Oyamo’s precise cross.

The decisive moment came in the 57th minute. Substitute Emmanuel Anyama struck from close range, and although Wakiso Giants goalkeeper James Alitho appeared to have kept the ball out, the second assistant referee ruled it a goal.

Despite late pressure from Wakiso Giants, KCCA held firm to claim all three points, climbing to third place in the league with 22 points.

Wakiso Giants, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone, sitting 14th with just nine points.

Uganda Premier League | Result

• Express 1-2 URA

Express FC suffered their first defeat under interim coach Badru Kaddu on Friday against URA FC at Nakivubo Stadium.

The Red Eagles who have recently enjoyed a good run, were edged by the Tax Collectors 2-1 in a closely contested game.

Kaddu who was assistant to Baker Mbowa took on the mantle when the club parted ways with the latter on 26th October 2024.

Since then, Kaddu had superintended over a purple patch of five games that saw them win three and draw the other two.

The wins were quite meaningful to Express FC, defeating Mbarara City FC 3-1 and edging bittter rivals Express FC and KCCA FC with an identical score of 1-0.

The draws came on the road against Wakiso Giants FC and BUL FC.

Today, that run was put to a half with former captain Enock Walusimbi heading home from Moses Aliro’s corner in the 42nd minute.

Five minutes after the break, Ivan Ahimbisibwe doubled the lead for the Tax Collectors to take his goal tally to eight this season.

Despite Sam Ssenyonjo pulling one back for Express FC from the spot at the hour mark, URA FC held on to pick maximum points.

The result takes URA FC to fifth place on 18 points, one behind Express FC who are two positions ahead.

Uganda Premier League | Results

• SC Villa 1-1 Police
• Express 1-2 URA

SC Villa is under mounting pressure as the team continues to struggle with consistency.

The reigning league champions have been unable to deliver stable performances, raising concerns about their recent form.

In their last two games, SC Villa has squandered leads, settling for 1-1 draws against Lugazi FC and Police FC.

The latest setback occurred today at Muteesa II Stadium, where Villa took an early lead but failed to hold on.

Patrick Jonah Kakande opened the scoring in the 24th minute, converting a penalty after Charles Lwanga was brought down in the box.

However, Police FC equalized in the 83rd minute through Brian Obedi, who also scored from the penalty spot.

The result sparked frustration among Villa fans, with some demanding Byekwaso’s resignation.

Since taking over from Serbian coach Dusan Stojanovic at the start of the season, Byekwaso’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency.

The team has alternated between impressive displays and underwhelming performances.

This draw leaves SC Villa in 7th place with 16 points, two behind Police FC, who sit in fifth.

Police have now recorded their eighth draw of the season.

Villa’s inability to hold onto leads has raised questions about their ability to defend their title, with fans and critics alike calling for urgent improvements.

Uganda Premier League | Result

• Maroons 0-4 Kitara
• Lugazi 1-1 Mbarara City

Kitara secured a well-deserved 4-0 victory against Maroons in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Prison Grounds, Luzira.

It was a thrilling victory marking the third victory in the last four games a testament that the Royals have put behind their poor run.

Fred Amaku opened the scoring in the ninth minute after nodding home from close range thanks to Benjamin Nyakojjo’s delivery.

Ronald Otti doubled Kitara’s lead three minutes later after being assisted by Kabon Living from a corner kick.

Jude Ssemugabi extended the visitors’ lead at half an hour mark thanks to Frank Tumwesigye’s delivery.

Maroons were forced to make a double change introducing Ivan Mayanja and Brian Omirambe for Felix Okot and Abel Etrude in the 35th minute.

Ivan Asaba came close to pulling back one from close range but Kitara goalkeeper Crispus Kusiima pulled off a stunning save.

The second half was a bit even as Maroons tried to return to the game but Kitara’s backline stood firm and tall.

Ssemugabi put the icing on the cake with Kitara’s fourth in the dying moments of the game.

The victory propels Kitara to the 10th position with 14 points while Maroons lie seventh with 16 points after playing 12 games.