Uganda’s national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, are officially embarking on their quest for a coveted spot at the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations finals in Senegal under the guidance of co-coaches Geofrey Akabwai and Rica Byaruhanga, who have named an 18-player squad for the second round of the qualifiers.
Akabwai and Byaruhanga have picked 17 players from the Beach Soccer League, and one from the Secondary School League as Uganda prepares to enter the continental qualification campaign at the second round stage.
Uganda received a bye in the first round, giving the Sand Cranes a direct route into the second round, where the qualifying ties are scheduled for October. The first-leg matches will be played between October 9 and 11, with the return legs following between October 16 and 18.
The selected players are expected to report to a residential training camp at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi District, on Thursday, September 24. The camp will mark the beginning of Uganda’s preparations for the qualifiers.
The squad has three goalkeepers, 12 midfielders and three forwards from the Beach Soccer League, complemented by one player from the secondary school competition. Rogers Omedwa of Kampala City BSC, Hillary Innocent Ayebale of MUBS BSC and Samson Kirya of Mutoola BSC will compete for the goalkeeping slots.
The midfield department has Sharif Opuli and Hassan Luboyera of Kampala City BSC, Sharif Lubega and Jonathan Kikonyogo of SLAU BSC, Paul Lule of Buganda Royal BSC, Deus Turyamuhaki of MUBS BSC, Peter Mukwata of Mutoola BSC, Martin Kikambi of SLAU and Charles Batibwe of Ntungasazi.
Up front, Geofrey Akabwai and Rica Byaruhanga have trusted Godfrey Edweu and Ambrose Kigozi of Kampala City BSC, Joseph Ssendi of Buganda Royal, Wirrock Joe Mbabazi of MUBS BSC and Steven Nyalimo of Mutoola BSC. The squad’s only representative from the Secondary School League is Jonathan Mugisha of Standard High School Zana.
Akabwai and Byaruhanga will have Baker Lukooya as their assistant, while Tonny Ssebaggala will serve as team manager. Dr Ivan Kulika has been appointed team doctor, with Julius Mutebi taking charge as media officer.
The Bunjako Beach residential camp is expected to provide the foundation for Uganda’s preparations as the Sand Cranes turn their attention to the two-legged continental battle. The qualifiers will determine the teams that progress to the Beach Soccer AFCON finals in Senegal in 2026, which will require careful preparation before the October ties.