Uganda travel to AFCON 2025 carrying a blend of historic pride and fresh ambition. In a country where football runs deep, this tournament represents an opportunity to once again make their mark on the continental stage. Their fans, renowned for their colourful support and unshakeable passion, hope this edition will be the moment when the Cranes connect their proud past with a new and promising generation of players.
- Nickname: The Cranes
- Head coach: Paul Put
- Football Association: Federation of Uganda Football Associations
- AFCON appearances: 8 times
- FIFA ranking: 88
Uganda’s Match Schedule
Uganda has been drawn into Group C, alongside Nigeria, Tunisia and Tanzania. Below is their full group stage schedule, including dates, times and venues. So you know exactly when to follow the Cranes.
| 23 December | Group stage |
 Tunisia Uganda | 3 1 |
| 27 December | Group stage |
Uganda Tanzania | 1 1 |
| 30 December | Group stage |
Uganda Nigeria | 1 3 |
Stats Uganda AFCON 2025
Top scorer
| # | Player | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rogers Mato | 1 |
| 2. | Denis Omedi | 1 |
| 3. | Uche Ikpeazu | 1 |
Assists
| # | Player | Assists |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Denis Omedi | 1 |
| 2. | Allan Okello | 1 |
Rating
| # | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rogers Mato | 7,1 |
| 2. | Denis Omedi | 7,0 |
| 3. | Uche Ikpeazu | 7,0 |
| 4. | Travis Mutyaba | 6,8 |
| 5. | Denis Onyango | 6,8 |
| 6. | Byaruhanga Bobosi | 6,8 |
| 7. | Steven Mukwala | 6,6 |
| 8. | James Bogere | 6,6 |
| 9. | Aziz Kayondo | 6,5 |
| 10. | Allan Okello | 6,5 |
Uganda Squad
Keepers:
Salim Magoola (Richards Bay), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Alionzi Nafian (Defence Forces FC), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC)
Defenders:
Toby Sibbinck (Burton Albion), Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj), Jordan Obita (Hibernian FC), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Zizkov), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod), David Owori (SC Villa), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
Midfielders:
Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah FC), Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Star), Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots), Baba Alhassan (FCSB)
Attackers:
Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong United), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien), Denis Omedi (APR FC), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)
Head Coach Uganda
Paul Put has brought structure and belief to the team. Known for his ability to help squads overachieve, he emphasizes control, organization, and a clear tactical approach. His experience could prove decisive at a tournament as competitive as AFCON 2025.
Star Player Uganda
Denis Omedi embodies perseverance and growth. Once a qualified nurse and prison warden, his footballing journey saw him rise from setbacks, failing Maroons FC trials to revival at Booma FC, where he became top scorer of the 2022 FUFA Big League. His breakthrough came at Kitara FC in the 2023/24 season with 15 league goals and a spectacular rabona strike that gained global attention, earning nominations for both the FIFA Puskás Award and CAF Goal of the Year.
For the national team, Omedi was pivotal in Uganda’s AFCON 2025 qualification, scoring crucial goals, including in their shock result against South Africa. His performances earned him the 2024 FUFA Male Player of the Year award. Now playing for APR FC in Rwanda, he has continued his success with a domestic double, cementing his reputation as Uganda’s attacking talisman.
Uganda AFCON History
Uganda’s history at the Africa Cup is one of both highs and long struggles. After being regular participants in the 1960s and 70s, the Cranes reached their greatest achievement in 1978, finishing runners-up. But this was followed by nearly four decades in the wilderness, as qualification proved elusive.
Their long-awaited return came in 2017, sparking fresh pride across the country. In 2019, Uganda reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1978, confirming their status as a team on the rise. This resurgence has raised hopes that the Cranes can once again spring surprises and perhaps even surpass their historic run.
Road to AFCON 2025
Uganda’s path to Morocco was built on resilience and efficiency. Drawn in a challenging group with South Africa, Congo and South Sudan, the Cranes held their nerve and secured qualification as runners-up. They conceded just five goals in six matches, relying on defensive solidity while making the difference with decisive wins over direct rivals. Highlights included a heroic 2–2 draw away to South Africa and back-to-back victories over South Sudan.
| Friday 6 September 2024 | |
 South Africa Uganda | 2 2 |
| Sunday 8 September 2024 | |
Uganda Congo | 2 0 |
| Friday 11 October 2024 | |
Uganda South Sudan | 1 0 |
| Tuesday 15 October 2024 | |
| South Sudan Uganda | 1 2 |
| Monday 11 November 2024 | |
| Uganda South Africa | 0 2 |
| Tuesday 19 November 2024 | |
| Congo Uganda | 0 1 |
| Team | PTS | G | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 14 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | +11 |
| Uganda | 13 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | +3 |
| Congo | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -8 |
| South Sudan | 3 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | -6 |
Stats
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Denis Omedi | 2 |
| 2. | Rogers Mato | 1 |
| 3. | Aziz Kayondo | 1 |
| 4. | Jude Ssemugabi | 1 |
| 5. | Bevis Mugabi | 1 |
| 6. | Travis Mutyaba | 1 |
Assists
| Player | Assists | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Allan Okello | 3 |
| 2. | Ronald Ssekiganda | 1 |
| 3. | Rogers Mato | 1 |
Player Rating
| Player | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Aziz Kayondo | 7,3 |
| 2. | Halid Lwaliwa | 7,1 |
| 3. | Khalid Aucho | 7,0 |
| 4. | Rogers Mato | 7,0 |
| 5. | Denis Omedi | 6,9 |
| 6. | Kenneth Semakula | 6,9 |
| 7. | Jude Ssemugabi | 6,9 |
| 8. | Bevis Mugabi | 6,9 |
| 9. | Allan Okello | 6,8 |
| 10. | Travis Mutyaba | 6,8 |