Uganda’s legendary goalkeeper Denis Onyango has made a sensational return to the national team, four years after retiring, as the Cranes unveiled their 28-man squad for the Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
The 40-year-old, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, last played for Uganda in April 2021 after the team failed to qualify for Afcon.
Onyango, who amassed 83 caps over a 16-year international career and captained the Cranes from 2017 to 2021, was officially named at the Fufa Complex in Mengo on August 27, 2025.
He will be part of the squad that faces Mozambique on September 5 and Somalia on September 8 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
“It’s been a great two weeks giving technical support to the goalkeeping department. I feel ready to help the team again as we aim for the World Cup,” Onyango said during training in July.
Onyango’s recall brings invaluable experience and leadership to a squad blending seasoned internationals with rising stars. He will compete for the goalkeeping spot alongside Salim Jamal Magoola, Nafian Alionzi, and Joel Mutakubwa.
Uganda Cranes coach Paul Put explained the decision to bring Onyango back:
“We have been struggling with goalkeeping options after Watenga’s injury, so we decided to call Onyango. He also helped us with the CHAN goalkeeping team, and that’s when I got to know him better. He is disciplined, mature, and experienced, and I believe his involvement will play a key role in this qualification campaign.”
The squad also sees the return of Vietnam-based striker Joseph Mpande after more than a decade, and Scotland-based forward Uchechukwu Ikpeazu.
Rising talents from the 2024 CHAN campaign, including Allan Okello, Joel Sserunjogi, Rogers Torach, and Reagan Mpande, have also earned call-ups.
Full Squad for World Cup Qualifiers
- Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda).
- Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany), Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda).
- Midfielders: Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia).
- Forwards: Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens, Sweden), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland).
Uganda opens its World Cup qualifying campaign with a home tie against Mozambique, followed by a clash with Somalia.
Onyango’s return, combined with the mix of youth and experience, has rekindled optimism among fans for the Cranes’ first-ever World Cup appearance.