Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has unveiled his 25-man squad for the October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and Vipers SC once again stand tallest as the leading local contributors to the National cause.
Provide backbone
With four players summoned—defenders Rogers Torach and Hilary Mukundane, midfield engine Enock Ssebaggala, and creative forward Allan Okello — the Venoms have more representation than any other Ugandan club. Their presence highlights the depth of quality and readiness Vipers continue to instill in their players.
Benchmark club
This dominance is no accident but a result of deliberate investment in structures, player development pathways, and professional standards that mirror continental models. From the famed St. Mary’s Kitende pipeline to the senior team, Vipers have consistently built a conveyor belt of talent that serves both the club and the country.
Continental ambitions
As Uganda prepares for a tricky opener against Botswana in Gaborone on October 9 before travelling to face Algeria in Algiers on October 14, the experience Vipers’ quartet will gain at this level directly feeds back into the club’s wider ambitions. These matches sharpen their skills, build mental resilience, and enhance the club’s stature when they return to domestic and continental duty.
Rivals play catch-up
KCCA FC, with two players, and SC Villa, with just one, lag behind Vipers in their contribution, underlining the Venoms’ unrivaled production line. The numbers confirm what has long been evident—Vipers stand alone as Uganda’s model football club.
Shaping glory home & abroad
For the reigning champions, the call-ups are both a reward and a responsibility. They cement the Venoms’ image as the heartbeat of the National team while strengthening their own pursuit of domestic trophies, continental respect, lucrative pay days, and the silverware that defines true greatness.
UGANDA CRANES – FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers:- Salim Omar Magoola – Richards Bay FC (South Africa), Denis Onyango – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) & Nafian Alionzi – Defence Forces FC (Ethiopia).
Defenders:- Toby Sibbick – Burton Albion FC (England), Elio Capradossi – FC Universitatea Cluj (Romania), Jordan Obita – Hibernian FC (Scotland), Rogers Torach – Vipers SC (Uganda), Hilary Mukundane – Vipers SC (Uganda), Abdu Azizi Kayondo – FC Slovan Liberec (Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi – KCCA FC (Uganda), Gavin Kizito – KCCA FC (Uganda).
Midfielders:- Kenneth Semakula – Al Arabi SC (Kuwait), Khalid Aucho – Singida United FC (Tanzania), Allan Oyirwoth – New England Revolution FC (USA), Enock Ssebaggala – Vipers SC (Uganda), Ronald Ssekiganda – APR FC (Rwanda), Bobosi Byaruhanga – Oakland Roots SC (USA).
Forwards:- Allan Okello – Vipers SC (Uganda), Denis Omedi – APR FC (Rwanda), Travis Mutyaba – CS Sfaxien (Tunisia), Joseph Mpande – PVF Can Tho FC (Vietnam), Rogers Mato – FK Vardar (North Macedonia), Reagan Mpande – SC Villa (Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi – Jamus SC (South Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu – St. Johnstone FC (Scotland) & Steven Mukwala – Simba SC (Tanzania).