Uganda Hippos coach Laryea Kingston names 56-player squad for 2026 CECAFA U20 qualifiers

Uganda U20 national team head coach Laryea Kingston has named a provisional 56-player squad as the Hippos begin preparations for the 2026 AFCON U20 CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers in Tanzania.

The regional qualifiers are scheduled to run from September 16 to 30, 2026, with Uganda aiming to secure qualifications for the continental finals.

Kingston’s squad brings together players from Uganda’s leading clubs, schools, academies, and institutions, alongside a number of young Ugandans developing their careers abroad.

The provisional squad includes players from Vipers SC, KCCA FC, SC Villa, NEC FC, BUL FC, Maroons FC, URA FC, Express FC and Busoga United, as well as players from schools and academies including St Mary’s Kitende, AMUS College and Bukedea Comprehensive School.

There is also international representation in the squad, with players attached to clubs and institutions in countries including the United States, Denmark, England, Scotland, Iceland, and Latvia.

Among the overseas-based players named are Oliver Arthur Scott Fisher of Patrick Thistle FC, Steven Oyirwoth of UNC Men’s Soccer in the United States, Moses Opira of Fulham Academy, Hamza Sengooba of AGF in Denmark, Hugo Bull of Crystal Palace FC, Mimosa Yashir of the University of California, Ocen Genesis Odiya of NK Tabor Sezana, Mansur Bashir of Gardner-Webb Men’s Soccer, Jovan Kasuja of Brentford FC and Johnson Kabagambe of Riga FC.

Preparations begin Monday

The 56 players are expected to assemble at FUFA House on Monday, August 24, at 7:00 a.m., before travelling to the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, where preparations for the regional tournament will begin.

The squad will be trimmed as preparations progress before the final team travels to Tanzania for the qualifiers.

Uganda enters the competition with expectations high after establishing itself as one of the region’s leading youth football sides.

The Hippos have previously won the CECAFA U20 regional championship and will be seeking another strong campaign under Kingston as they target a place at the AFCON U20 finals.

Mix of experience and emerging talent

Kingston’s selection reflects a blend of players already featuring in senior domestic competitions and promising youngsters from schools, academies, and youth teams.

Vipers SC has several representatives, while KCCA FC, SC Villa, NEC FC, and other Uganda Premier League sides also contribute players to the provisional squad.

The inclusion of school-going players and academy prospects gives the squad a broad talent base, while the presence of players developing abroad adds international experience and exposure to the group.

The tournament will provide an important platform for Uganda’s emerging players to compete at the regional level and stake their claim for future senior national-team opportunities.

Kingston assembles technical team

Kingston will be supported by a technical and administrative team that includes goalkeeper coach Kiggundu Steven Billy, fitness coach Kizito Dennis and team manager, and safeguarding officer Umony Brian.

Kulika Ivan has been appointed team doctor, while Bumpenje Frank will serve as kits officer and Andrew Talenga as media officer.

The technical team will now focus on assessing the players, building team cohesion, and preparing Uganda for the challenges of the regional competition.

With Tanzania hosting the qualifiers from September 16 to 30, the coming weeks will be crucial for Kingston as he seeks to turn the large provisional squad into a competitive final team.

For the young players named, the camp also represents an opportunity to impress the new U20 coaching staff and earn a place in Uganda’s regional campaign.

The ultimate target will be to navigate the CECAFA qualifiers successfully and secure Uganda another opportunity to compete on the continental AFCON U20 stage.