Overview:
Jonathan Gift Odongo boldly testifies that featuring for Uganda Cranes is a true come true since childhood day.
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers:
- 24th September 2026: Tunisia Vs Uganda (Rades)
- 29th September 2026: Uganda Vs Libya (Hoima)
International friendlies:
- 2nd October 2026: DR Congo Vs Uganda (Abidjan)
- 5th October 2026: Uganda Vs DR Congo (Abidjan)
Jonathan Gift Odongo, an industrious right back-cum-center half at Entebbe UPPC Football Club, is a typical bold testimony of diligence and sheer sacrifice.
He basically grasped the A-B-C nitty-gritty of the game, from close ball control, passing (short and diagonal balls), dribbling, crossing, heading, tackling, positioning and yes, command.
Odongo has been a vivid, hard-working character since his elementary days at Red Stars Soccer Academy, where he commenced his football career.
Now at Entebbe UPPC Football Club in the Star Times Uganda Premier League, Odongo is among the eight locally based players on the Uganda Cranes 28-man squad for the two AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya, as well as the international build-up games with DR Congo.
“I am very honoured and grateful to coach Paul Put for trusting me and giving me this opportunity to serve my country,” he sighed with relief.
Dream Realised
Odongo says featuring for Uganda Cranes is a childhood dream come true.
“Playing for Uganda Cranes has always been my dream,” the former Soltilo Bright Stars player attested.
Vote of Thanks
In a special way, he acknowledges support from his current club, all his former teams, teammates, coaches and immediate family members for all the courage, counsel and viable support where possible.
“I thank my club Entebbe UPPC, my former academies and teams, all the teammates, my coaches and my family for pushing me. This is just the beginning. I will work hard, learn from senior players and give 100 per cent for the badge,” he adds.
After a promising stint at Red Stars Soccer Academy, Odongo moved to Luzira Soccer Academy before joining Maroons Soccer Academy.
School Football
Like many budding footballers, Odongo was also prominent in school football, playing for the likes of Luzira S.S., Ryakasinga CHE, Buddo SS and recently St Mary’s Kitende.
Club Football
He has since featured for several clubs, including St Stephen Luzira (4th Division), Lamencia Sports Club (Regional League), Soltilo Bright Stars (1st Division) and lately Entebbe UPPC.
He is among the eight players summoned by Paul Put from the Uganda Premier League for international action.
The others are the goalkeeping duo of David Lukwago (SC Villa) and Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC), Geofrey Lubanga Kene SC Villa), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers), Richard Basangwa (NEC), Herbert Achayi (KCCA), as well as Frank Sebufu (SC Villa).
AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Uganda plays Tunisia away in Rades on 24th September 2026. Five days later, Uganda Cranes will entertain Libya at the Hoima City Stadium.
This will be the first international game for Uganda Cranes at Hoima City Stadium, one of the facilities for AFCON 2027 in East Africa.
International Friendlies
Uganda Cranes have also set up two international build-up matches in early October, both against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Both matches will be in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The first game will be on 2nd October 2026 and the second on 5th October 2026.
Full Uganda Cranes Squad:
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), David Lukwago (SC Villa, Uganda), Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC, Uganda)
Defenders: Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Jonathan Odongo (Entebbe UPPC, Uganda), Rogers Torach Ochaki (CS Constantine, Algeria), Aziizi Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany), Nathan Asiimwe (Salford City, England), Geofrey Lubanga Kene SC Villa, Uganda), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers, Uganda), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Nairobi United, Kenya), Herbert Achayi (KCCA, Uganda)
Midfielders: Baba Alhassan (Mardin 1996 Spor, Turkey), Noble Okello (Lexington, USA), Kenneth Semakula (Al Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt), Allan Oyirwoth (Dunfermline, Scotland), Joseph Seremba (Nairobi United, Kenya)
Forwards: Allan Okello (AS FAR, Morocco), James Bogere (AGF, Denmark), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Denis Omedi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Rogers Mato (Hearts, Kenya), Hassan Mubiru (Azam, Tanzania), Sadam Masereka (Colorado Springs Switchbacks, USA), Steven Mukwala (Al Nasr, Libya), Richard Basangwa (NEC, Uganda), Frank Sebufu (SC Villa, Uganda)
