Uganda Cranes Extend Coach Paul Put’s Contract Until 2028
The Football Association of Uganda (Fufa) has officially extended the contract of Belgian head coach Paul Put until 2028, putting an end to weeks of speculation regarding his future. This decision comes as the Ugandan national team, known as the Cranes, prepares for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 in Morocco.
Fufa CEO Edgar Watson made the announcement on Thursday, emphasizing the need for stability ahead of the upcoming tournament. “We have noticed a lot of anxiety from some sectors of the public in recent weeks, with rumors and speculation concerning the head coach,” Watson said during a news conference in Kampala.
“I’m delighted to announce that Fufa has agreed with coach Paul Put on a new contract for the next two and a half years, starting with immediate effect.”
Paul Put, who is 68 years old, was appointed in November 2023 with the goal of guiding Uganda back to Afcon and improving their World Cup qualification standing. Under his leadership, the team successfully qualified for Afcon 2025 and achieved a 67 percent success rate in competitive fixtures, winning 12 out of 18 games.
Preparations for Afcon 2025
Following the signing of the new contract, Paul Put announced his 28-man squad for two international friendlies in Morocco. The first match will be against Chad on November 15, followed by a game against the hosts, Morocco, on November 19. These matches will serve as crucial preparation for the team’s Group C Afcon fixtures against Tunisia, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
The squad includes experienced players such as goalkeeper Denis Onyango and midfielder Khalid Aucho, while forward Allan Okello leads the domestic contingent. Europe-based defenders Elio Capradossi and Jordan Obita are joined by Thailand-based Melyvn Lorenzen, who previously had interest in the Cranes, and another new addition, Baba Al Hassan, who plays in Romania.
Key Match Schedule
Uganda’s Afcon 2025 campaign will begin on December 23 against Tunisia, followed by matches against Tanzania on December 27 and Nigeria on December 30. Here is the detailed schedule:
Uganda Cranes International Friendlies
- Nov 15: Uganda vs Chad
- Nov 19: Morocco vs Uganda
Afcon 2025 – Uganda’s Group C Matches
- Dec 23: Tunisia vs Uganda
- Dec 27: Uganda vs Tanzania
- Dec 30: Uganda vs Nigeria
Uganda Cranes Squad for Afcon 2025
Goalkeepers:* Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay – S. Africa)* Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns – S. Africa)* Tom Ikara (BUL – Uganda)* Denis Kiggundu (Vipers SC – Uganda)
Defenders:* Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion – England)* Elio Capodossi (FC Universitatea Cluj – Romania)* Jordan Obita (Hibernian – Scotland)* Rogers Torach (Vipers SC – Uganda)* Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC – Uganda)* Aziz Kayondo (FC Slovan Liberec – Czech Rep.)* Herbert Achayi (KCCA – Uganda)* Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod – Israel)* Moses Alio (URA – Uganda)
Midfielders:* Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah – Saudi Arabia)* Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars SC – Tanzania)* Allan Oyirwoth (New England Revolution – USA)* Baba Al Hassan (FCV Farul Constanta – Romania)* Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots SC – USA)
Forwards:* Allan Okello (Vipers SC – Uganda)* Melyvn Lorenzen (Muangthong Utd – Thailand)* Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien – Tunisia)* Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand – Vietnam)* Rogers Mato (FK Vardar – Macedonia)* Reagan Mpande (SC Villa – Uganda)* Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus – S. Sudan)* Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone – Scotland)* Steven Mukwala (Simba SC – Tanzania)* Shafik Kwikiriza (KCCA – Uganda)