Denis Onyango recalled to Uganda Cranes for World Cup qualifiers

Legendary goalkeeper and former captain Denis Onyango has been recalled to the Uganda Cranes national team for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Somalia.

This marks a significant return for the 39-year-old, who retired from international football on April 12, 2021, after the Cranes failed to qualify for their third straight Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after they lost away to Malawi in their last group game.

“I had an opportunity in the CHAN to meet Denis who has been helping us with goalkeepers. He is a very important player for Uganda, very disciplined and has a lot of maturity,” Put stated.

“We agreed to come back and represent his country, so he has been showing the heart for Uganda.”

Onyango, who earned 83 caps for Uganda and captained the team to two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2017 and 2019, is widely considered the country’s greatest goalkeeper of the modern era.

His return comes at a critical time for the Cranes, who are currently fourth in Group G with nine points.

Khalid Aucho excluded

While welcoming Onyango, Coach Put also confirmed the absence of experienced midfielder Khalid Aucho from the 28-man squad due to ongoing fitness struggles.

“He has no physical ability even if you train every day. To regain fitness, you need competition and you need friendly games,” the coach explained. “It is very important for our team, so let’s hope that we can have him in October.”

Full squad list

The 28-man squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talent.

Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Magoola (Richards Bay, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces, Ethiopia), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda).

Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (IBV, Iceland), Herbert Bockhorn (Magdeburg, Germany), Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC), Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC).

Midfielders: Ronald Ssekiganda (APR, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi, Kuwait), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia).

Forwards: Denis Omedi (APR, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens, Sweden), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Uche Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland).