APR midfielder Taddeo Lwanga has been summoned to the Uganda Cranes squad that will be facing South Sudan in the upcoming 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.

The development was confirmed as Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put named the 27-man squad in the press conference held at FUFA House, Mengo on Tuesday morning.

Uganda is set to take on neighbours South Sudan at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Friday, October 11 before they face off in Juba four days later.

The former Vipers and SC Villa skipper has been away missing out on several Uganda Cranes engagements but his recent performances with APR have enticed the gaffer to recall him.

In the same breath, Derrick Nsibambi and Gavin Kizito who recently joined KCCA also made the cut to the 27-man squad.

The other surprise inclusion is Shafik ‘Nana’ Kwikiriza who has been a joy to watch in the games he has featured for KCCA since joining from BUL FC.

Shaban Muhammad and Elvis Bwomono have been dropped from the team due to lack of playing time on their teams which has been due to recurring injuries.

Uganda is pitted in Group K alongside Congo Brazzaville, South Africa and South Sudan. The Cranes have played two games managing to collect four points out of the possible six.

The top two teams in each group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON which will be hosted by Morocco.

Uganda Cranes Squad

Goalkeepers

Isima Watenga (Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago, Venda FC, South Africa)

Defenders

Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC, Uganda), Kenneth Semakula (Club Africaine, Tunisia), Isaac Muleme (Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Bevis Mugabi (Famagusta Anorthosis, Greece), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (Al Ain SC, Saudi Arabia), Arnold Odong (SC Villa, Uganda)

Midfielders

Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin II, USA), Taddeo Lwanga (APR FC, Rwanda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Forwards

Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA FC, Uganda), Rogers Mato (FC Brera Strumica), Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Calvin Kabuye (Sandvikens IF, Sweden)

Uganda Cranes playmaker Travis Mutyaba has completed a mega deal to join FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

Reports indicate that the quick-footed forward joined the French side on a three-year employment contract.

Mutyaba’s life at Zamalek ended unfortunately, and so he joins FC Girondins de Bordeaux as he seeks to regain his career on form.

This massive transfer gives Mutyaba a chance to showcase his talent and confidence after staying out of action for quite a while.

He has played at different national team levels, which has equipped him with the much-needed experience to play at such a stage.

It will also help him sharpen up as the Uganda Cranes start preparations ahead of the double against South Sudan.

Mutyaba has previously played for Vipers JT, Express, and recently Zamalek.

Uganda Premier League | Fixture

• UPDF vs Wakiso Giants
• Bright Stars vs KCCA

Wakiso Giants Football Club will be away from home to take on UPDF in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Bombo Military Grounds on Tuesday.

Wakiso Giants kicked off the campaign with the right momentum, securing seven points out of the possible nine in three games.

The Purple Sharks picked their first victory this season away from home after beating Maroons 3-2 in a tight contest.

Wakiso head coach Steven Bengo believes they have prepared well and have all it takes to secure maximum points in Bombo.

We have had successful training sessions, and my boys are ready to take on UPDF,” the gaffer stated.

“Although we are still implementing our system, you can see significant improvement already.”

“It will not be an easy game, but we have only one option: to play our way to win three points on the day,” he concluded.

Team News

Latest addition Kizito Luwaga will continue to await his debut as he undergoes rehabilitation.

The custodian Henry Mwebe and Rahmat Ssenfuka will miss tomorrow’s game due to fever and injury, respectively.

The rest of the squad will be available for selection.

Game Stats

This will be the 10th meeting between Wakiso Giants and UPDF FC.

Wakiso Giants have secured six victories, lost twice, and drawn once.

Last season, the Purple Sharks comfortably defeated UPDF FC 0-2 on their home turf.

Uganda Premier League | Fixture

• Bright Stars vs KCCA – 4 PM
• UPDF vs Wakiso Giants – 4 PM

KCCA Football Club will take on Bright Stars Football Club in the Uganda Premier League encounter at Kavumba Recreation Ground in Wakiso on Tuesday.

Bright Stars has a chance to secure the maiden victory of the campaign after collecting two points in three games.

On the other hand, KCCA seems to be a well-oiled machine with two victories and a draw in the three opening games of the campaign.

KCCA head coach Abdallah Mubiru has called upon his troops to stage the same character as that which was staged in the game against Kitara.

“The past games are now behind us,” he said before adding; “For now, focus is on the next match, and we want to play well, win, and continue improving in all aspects of the game.”

“The biggest wary is the fatigue as this game has come too early in comparison to time between the other fixtures, but we have tried to work on recovery, and hopefully, we shall be good to go fitness-wise.”

Team News

The Kasasiro Boys will miss the services of forward Etienne Katenga, who lost his father, as well as Julius Poloto, Steven Munguchi, and Usama Arafat, who are injured.

Game Stats

In the 22 previous meetings, KCCA won 13 games, lost three, and shared spoils on six occasions.

Bright Stars are still unbeaten in three home meetings at home against KCCA.

Women Super League – Results

• Kawempe Muslim 3-0 Rines SS
• Makerere LFC 0-0 She Maroons

Kawempe Muslime secured a 3-0 victory against Rines SS in the Women Super League at Kawempe Valley Grounds on Sunday evening.

Agnes Nabukenya scored a hat trick as the hosts secured maximum points to kick-start a run to defend their title.

It was a brilliant display from the forward who scored on either side of the pitch to cement her name as a prolific forward.

Nabukenya broke the deadlock in the 33^rd minute after converting from the 12-yard mark. Kawempe were awarded a penalty after Phiona Nabulime was fouled in the dangerous area.

Just before the break, Nabukenya doubled Kawempe’s lead with a fine finish as the Rines were sent to the break trailing by two goals.

In the 57^th minute, Sophia Nakiyingi came close to pulling back one but failed to convert quite an open opportunity.

Nabukenya later completed her hat trick later in the second half as she grabbed the game ball and the player of the match award.

The victory takes Kawempe Muslim on top of the log with three points and as many goals at the end of match day one.

How they lined up

Kawempe Muslim XI: Josephine Nambuya (GK), Phiona Nabulime, Jolly Kobusinge, Ritah Mushimire, Agnes Nabukenya, Samalie Nakacwa, Shadia Nabirye, Hadijjah Nandago, Sumaiya Nabuto, Kurusum Namutebi, Sharifah Nakimera.

Rines WFC XI: Bridget Yuko Nansamba, Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi, Jovia Nakilya, Sophia Nakiyingi, Kayesu Yuster, Immaculate Odaku, Shakira Nalule, Adrine Birungi, Ainembabazi Angel, Yasmeen Nalukwago, Phionah Arach.

Uganda Premier League side Vipers have confirmed the acquisition of John Luyinda alias as an assistant coach.

The development has been announced via the club’s official website today, Sunday, September 29, 2024.

“We are pleased to announce the addition and return of John Luyinda Ayala as an assistant coach,” the statement partly reads.

Luyinda joins the Venoms to end his short sabbatical after ending his successful reign as Wakiso Giants head coach.

He is expected to beefup the technical bench that is led by Serbian Nikola Kavazovic alongside other coaches such as Fred Muhumuza, Daniel Maale and Jose Esdras Costa Lopez.

The silent but great gaffer will add vast experience to Vipers having previously worked in different coaching roles at Wakiso Giants, KCCA, Police and Vipers.

He equally served Vipers as an assistant coach to Abdallah Mubiru in 2016, but they did not last a lot in office.

In the same spirit, he has worked alongside notable and experienced coaches such as George Best Nsimbe and Mike Hillary Mutebi.

The six-time league champions have started the campaign on a slow notthat hasve won, drawn and lost one apiece. They have managed to collect four points out of the possible nine in three games.

Technical Team – Vipers SC

• Nikola Kavazovic – Head Coach
• Fred Muhumuza – Assistant Coach
• John Ayala Luyinda – Assistant Coach
• Daniel Maale – Youth Coach
• Ali Kimera – Goalkeeping Coach
• Jose Esdras – Strength & Conditioning Coach
• Ibrahim Kato – Gym Trainer
• Michael Lule – Physiotherapist
• Alosyious Kyeyune – Physiotherapist
• Edward Ssentongo – Kitsman

Uganda Premier League | Results

URA 1-1 Mbarara City
Express 0-0 Maroons

Mbarara City picked a huge point in a 1-1 stalemate against URA in the Uganda Premier League at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, on Saturday.

Seiri Arigumaho fired the hosts ahead before Moses Aliro restored parity in the one-all stalemate.

Arigumaho thoughtt he had found the opener early under 10 minutes, but the strike was flagged offside.

The forward found the back of the net in the 59th minute. He was quick to guide home a rebound after goalkeeper Derrick Ochan saved Latif Ssekubuge.

Five minutes later, quick footed forward, Moses Aliro netted the ball to restore parity for the Tax Collectors.

In the 73rd minute, Arigumaho once again found the back of the net after being set up by Joseph Akadwanaho, but the effort was flagged offside.

Going forward, Mbarara City will visit URA on Wednesday, October 2, while URA will visit Mbale Heroes three days later.

How Both Teams Lined Up:

URA XI; Derrick Ochan (GK), Enock Walusimbi (C), Faizo Matovu, Joshua Lubwama, Hudu Mulikyi, Norman Namanya, Moses Aliro, Bruno Bunyaga, Joseph Ssemujju, Ivan Ahimbisibwe, Amisi Bwangani

Mbarara City XI; Abdul Kimera (GK), Joseph Akandwanaho (C), Karim Ramathan, Ibrahim Musa, Henry Muyomba, Francis Odongo, Hassan Jurua, Joseph Kafumbe, Latif Ssenkubuge, Seiri Arigumaho, Yusuf Mafabi

Uganda Premier League | Results

• KCCA 2-0 Kitara
• Wakiso Giants 1-0 Mbale Heroes

KCCA secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory against Mbale Heroes in the Uganda Premier League encounter at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo on Friday.

In a game played under the floodlights, KCCA came out of the kiln alive after humbling the Royals in front of a loud crowd.

James Mubezi picked Nsibambi in the ninth minute, but his header was planted wide as the hosts kept knocking on the door.

Two minutes later, attacking midfielder Mayanja drew first blood with a powerful hit to give the hosts the lead.

It was a sweet and solo run from Shafik Kwikiriza, who beat several bodies before setting up Mayanja on the right flank.

Nsibambi doubled KCCA’s lead with an easy tap-in after rounding off Kitara’s goalkeeper Chrispas Kusiima.

The custodian miscued his kick, and it ended up in Nsibambi’s path, who made no mistake steps away from the goal line.

In the 58th minute, Bright Anukani’s effort outside the box rattled off the frame before it was cleared away for a corner kick.

Kitara got two freekicks in great positions, but they poorly handled them, thus not picking anything out of the attacks.

In the dying minutes, Kwikiriza cut inside on different occasions but failed to guide his efforts on target.

The victory takes KCCA on seven points in three games while Kitara remains on three points in as many games played off the season.

Uganda Premier League | Result

Wakiso Giants 1-0 Mbale Heroes

Wakiso Giants secured a 1-0 victory against Mbale Heroes in the Uganda Premier League at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium on Friday.

Habert Asiimwe broke the deadlock in the 17th minute after being set up by Marvin Oshaba to place Wakiso Giants in the driving seat.

A minute later, the visitors nearly restored matters through Shafiq Muzanyi after Faisal Wabyoona’s defence-splitting pass, but the forward was flagged offside.

Goalkeeper James Alitho miscued his kick that nearly cost the hosts, but the ball sailed out for a corner kick in Mbale Heroes’ favour.

As the first stanza came to an end, the Purple Sharks nearly doubled their lead through David Bagooole, but his effort at the edge of the box was massively blocked by defender Samson Kasozi.

In the second half, Mbale Heroes greatly improved pegging the hosts on the back foot but failed to guide the ball into the net.

New signings Assimwe and goalkeeper James Alitho staged a great show, thus securing maximum points.

It was the Purple Sharks’ second victory of the ongoing campaign after the 3-2 win against Maroons on matchday two.

On the other hand, Mbale Heroes suffered the second loss of the campaign, hence remaining on three points in three games.

Wakiso Giants go to seven points in the second position on the log. They are two points behind log leaders NEC.

Wakiso Giants will return to action on Tuesday, October 1, away to UPDF, while Mbale Heroes will host URA four days later.

Women Super League | Result

• Kampala Queens 1-1 Wakiso Hill

Wakiso Hill held Kampala Queens in a 1-1 draw in the Women Super League at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Friday.

Shamusa Najjuma fired the hosts ahead, but the second half substitute Judith Mawuwa restored parity.

Shamira Nalugya had a great opportunity to give the hosts a lead under two minutes, but her powerful effort rattled off the frame.

Nalugya once again came close to firing home with a well curled freekick, but Wakiso Hill custodian Halima Kasuubo was equal to the challenge.

Despite several attacks in the opening 45 minutes, both sides went back to the dressing rooms with the scoreboard reading 0-0.

Najjuma finally broke the deadlock in the 65th minute, thus igniting the hosts’ hopes for claiming maximum points.

Mawuwa beat goalkeeper Gloria Namakula to levelled matters with a world-class freekick in stoppage time.

The point will give Wakiso Hill confidence going into the new season with a greatly changed side.

Up next, Kampala Queens will return to action in the game against She Corporates on Saturday, October 5.

In the same spirit, Wakiso Hill will face off Kawempe Muslim at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, on Sunday, October 6.