Uganda Hippos Head Coach Morley Byekwaso has named the 20-man squad that will play at the All Africa Games 2023 Tournament in Accra, Ghana.
The squad named by coach Byekwaso will travel to Ghana on Monday morning (2:45am) aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
The team was flagged off by Minister of State for Sports Hon. Peter Ogwang who was in the company of FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim. This was done during the send off dinner held at Imperial Royale Hotel.
NCS Chairman Ambrose Tashobya and NCS General Secretary Dr. Bernard Patrick Ogwel also attended the function.
The other diginitaries included FUFA EXCO Members Sam Mpiima, Rogers Mulindwa and Dan Obote who is also the Leader of Delegation for both Queen Cranes and Uganda Hippos.
The Minister implored the players to offer full commitment while in Ghana and make Uganda proud.
”I want to assure you that Government is fully behind you in terms of support. Personally, I will travel to Ghana to rally behind you. But when you are on the pitch, please remember that you are carrying the Ugandan flag and representing the entire nation. Give in your best effort and make yourself proud.” He said.
FUFA President Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim told both the Queen Cranes and Uganda Hippos that they are the future of Ugandan football and must seize the opportunity now.
“Across the World, at your age, players are carrying teams. So you must know that our future is actually you. Go to Ghana and fight and give the coaches of the Senior National Teams a reason to summon you.” He told the teams.
“As East Africa, we shall host AFCON 2027 and this is your best opportunity to start knocking at the door of the Senior National Team.” He added.
Tashobya, the NCS Chairman assured the players that he will be in Ghana to support them.
The tournament will take place between March 7th to 23rd, 2024 in Accra, Ghana.
Uganda is in Group B alongside South Sudan, Senegal and Nigeria. It should be noted that Tunisia withdrew from the tournament.
Group Fixtures for Uganda
Nigeria vs Uganda – Thursday 7th March 2024
Senegal vs Uganda – Monday 11th March 2024
Uganda vs South Sudan – Friday 15th March 2024
Uganda Hippos final squad
Goalkeepers
Abdul Magada (Gaddafi FC), Shamulan Kamya (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Humphrey Oyirwoth (Bukedea Comprehensive School)
Defenders
Haruna Lukwago (KCCA FC), Ibrahim Juma (CD Leganes), Enock Luyima (Vipers SC), Ronald Madoi (SFK Pierikos), Apollo Kagogwe (Wakiso Giants FC), Cyrus Kibande(SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC)
Midfielders
Innocent Kisolo (URA FC), Ivan Irinimbabazi (SFK Pierikos), Allan Oyirwoth (Brook House College), Hakim Mutebi (SC Villa)
Forwards
Abbas Kyeyune (SC Villa), Arafat Kizza Osama (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafiq Magogo (Kitara FC), Alpha Thierry Ssali (Express FC), Bruno Bunyaga (URA FC)
Officials
Leader of Delegation – Dan Obote
National Teams Officer – Paul Mukatabala
Head Coach – Morley Byekwaso Ochama
Assistant Coach – Simeon Massaba
Goalkeeping Coach – Stephen Billy Kiggundu
Fitness Coach – Noah Kasule
Team Doctor – Michael Gumisiriza
Team Physiotherapist – Rashid Kebba
Equipment Manager – Frank Bumpenje
Media Officer – Joel Cornelius Kivumbi
