Uganda Cranes squad highlights decline of KCCA, SC Villa and Express

FIFA 2026 World Cup

African Qualifiers

March 20

Mozambique v Uganda

At Cairo International Stadium

March 25

Uganda v Guinea

At Mandela National Stadium Namboole.

Ugandan football giants KCCA, SC Villa, and Express have seen their struggles in the Uganda Premier League this season further highlighted by Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put, who included only three players from these clubs in his 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea on March 20 and 25, respectively.

Announcing the squad yesterday at FUFA House in Mengo, Kampala, the experienced Belgian tactician selected Patrick Kakande and Ronald Ssekiganda from SC Villa, Gavin Kizito from KCCA, and no players from Express.

In contrast, league leaders Vipers have three players—Allan Okello, Rogers Torach, and Abdul Karim Watambala—in the squad.

The minimal representation of KCCA, SC Villa, and Express underscores the decline of these once-dominant clubs, collectively known as the VEK trio. In their golden era, these teams were the backbone of the Uganda Cranes, contributing the majority of players for major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers. However, Vipers have now taken over that role.

The current league standings reflect the struggles of these historic clubs. KCCA and Express are sixth and seventh, respectively, both on 28 points, while SC Villa sits ninth with 24 points. All three trail Vipers by 18 points, effectively ruling them out of the title race. Their poor form likely influenced Put’s decision to limit their representation in the national squad.

Put’s squad also sees the exclusion of several players who featured in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Congo Brazzaville last November. Notable omissions include goalkeepers Charles Lukwago and Mugolofa Mutwalibi, defenders Halid Lwaliwa and Geoffrey Wasswa, midfielders Saidi Mayanja, Bobosi Byaruhanga, and Taddeo Lwanga, as well as forwards Shafik Kwikiriza and Paul Dembe.

The squad features one new face, NEC FC midfielder Enock Ssebagala, and the return of Muhammad Shaban, who was absent during the AFCON qualifiers.

Uganda will begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with an away match against Mozambique on March 20 at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. The match was moved from Mozambique’s Zimpeto National Stadium, which CAF deemed unfit to host international matches. Uganda will then host Guinea at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on March 25.

Currently, Uganda sits fifth in their six-team group with six points from four games. Their only victories came against Botswana and Somalia, while they suffered defeats to Algeria and Guinea. The upcoming matches are crucial for keeping their World Cup dreams alive.

The 26-man squad

Goalkeepers: I. Watenga, N. Alionzi, J. Mutakubwa

Defenders: E. Bwomono, G. Kizito, B. Mugabi, T. Awany, S. Tobby, R. Torach, A. Kayondo, I. Muleme.

Midfielders: R. Ssekiganda, K. Semakula, K. Aucho, E. Ssebagala, A. Watambala, A. Okello, T. Mutyaba.

Forward: D. Omedi, H. Kiwanuka, J. Ssemugabi, R. Mato, S. Mukwala, M. Shaban, C. Kabuye, P. Kakande.