- Event: CECAFA U-20 Championship 2026
- Dates: 15th to 24th September 2026
- Host City: Dar es Salaam
- Host country: Tanzania
- Host stadium: Uhuru
Uganda U20 National Football Team (Hippos) head coach Laryea Kingston confirmed the final squad for the CECAFA U20 Championship in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The 20-man squad is a blend of very experienced players and the upcoming ones.
Several players who ply their trade in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League are also included.
Hakim Wandera (NEC), Raymond Mangoli Barasa (SC Villa), Hakim Kawuki (KCCA), Amour Munogera (Vipers), Richard Okello (BUL), Adrian Isabirye (BUL), Gilbert Ogenrwot (SC Villa) and Batali Igama (Lugazi) are all attached to senior clubs in the UPL.
There are a couple of players who are foreign-based, and these include Mimosa Yashir (University of California), Steven Oyirwoth (UNC Men’s Soccer), Genesis Odiya (NK Tabor Sezana) and Joseph Ssenyondwa (AC Amager).
Isma Magala, a midfielder with Masaka Sunshine, leads the cast of players who have graduated from the U-17 national team.
Uganda Hippos open their campaign on Tuesday, 15th September 2026 against Djibouti at 2:00 p.m.
They return to action on 19th September 2026 against Sudan.
The two finalists will earn qualification to represent the CECAFA region at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2026.
Full Squad:
Players:
- Goalkeepers: Adrian Isabirye (BUL FC), Batali Igama (Lugazi FC)
- Defenders: Raymond Mangoli Barasa (SC Villa), Mimosa Yashir (University of California, USA), Hakim Kawuki (KCCA FC), Elvis Opakrwoth (St. Mary’s Kitende), Hakim Wandera (NEC FC), Steven Oyirwoth (UNC Mens Soccer, USA), Meddy Mutamba (Busoga United FC), Gilbert Ogenrwot (SC Villa)
- Midfielders: Amour Munogera (Vipers SC), Brian Owino (Vipers SC JT), Isma Magala (Masaka Sunshine),genesis Odiya (NK Tabor Sezana) and Ashraf Kyakuwa (Vipers SC JT).
- Forwards: Richard Okello (BUL FC), Joseph Ssenyondwa (AC Amager), Derrick Ssozi (Bukedea Comprehensive) and Simon Wanyama (Bukedea Comprehensive), Arafat Nkoola (Vipers SC)
Officials
- Leader of Delegation: Frank Ankunzire
Head coach: Laryea Kingston
Assistant coach: Bashir Ssemuyaba
Goalkeeping coach: Stephen Billy Kiggundu
Fitness coach: Denis “Denol” Kizito
Team Doctor: Ivan Kulika
Kits manager: Frank Bumpenje
Team Manager: Brian Umony
Media officer: Andrew Talenga
