Uganda's football federation has identified over 200 professional players worldwide who could represent the Cranes in AFCON 2027. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) has compiled a global database of eligible players, producing a list of professionals whose backgrounds could qualify them to wear the Cranes jersey. From this pool, 20 players have been shortlisted, and nine have already joined the national team setup. This recruitment drive is part of Uganda's ambitious plan to strengthen its team ahead of the tournament.
The latest batch of recruits includes players from various countries, such as France, Nigeria, and Sweden. Abdoulaye Sissako, who represents Belgian side Sint-Truiden, was born in France and has featured for French youth sides. His eligibility for Uganda comes through his grandmother, who was born in Kampala. Akpan David Udoh, who was part of Nigeria's 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup squad, qualifies for Uganda through his grandmother, who was born in Busia.
Other new recruits include Nathan Asiimwe, Noble Okello, Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi, Souleyman Diaby, Arnold Vula, Kelvin Owusu Boateng, and Kingdom Osayi. Osayi, who is Swedish-born, holds Ugandan heritage through his maternal grandmother, while Debohi was born to Ivorian parents but also qualifies through a Ugandan grandmother. Asiimwe and Okello have already made their debuts, featuring for the Cranes against Tunisia in the current international window.
FUFA's recruitment effort is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the national team. Federation officials, government representatives, and technical staff are travelling to different countries to meet players, parents, and agents in person. FUFA president Moses Magogo has framed AFCON 2027 as a transformative moment for Ugandan football, with the government pledging up to UGX32 billion (KSh 1.05 billion) in additional funding.
To make the national team proposition more attractive to diaspora players, FUFA has announced welfare improvements. These include business class travel for overseas-based players on journeys exceeding four hours, five-star accommodation where possible, enhanced match bonuses, and improved logistical support. Uganda is already guaranteed a place at the tournament as a host nation but continues to participate in CAF qualifying rounds.
Kenya is also pursuing a similar recruitment path. Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy has been directly involved in recruitment, joining an FKF delegation that travelled to Europe in March to engage eligible foreign-born players. Among those approached were Wrexham defender Zak Vyner, Everton's Tyler Onyango, Tranmere Rovers winger Zech Obiero, and Andre Gitau of Mainz 05 II.
Five foreign-based players received senior call-ups for the first time in 2026 as McCarthy looks to strengthen his options. Kenya and Uganda are co-hosting AFCON 2027 alongside Tanzania, and both countries are working to build strong teams ahead of the tournament. The recruitment drives are part of their efforts to make an impact in the competition.
Key points
- Uganda has identified over 200 professional players worldwide who could represent the Cranes in AFCON 2027.
- Nine players have already joined the Uganda Cranes camp, including a former Nigeria Under-17 World Cup winner.
- Kenya is also recruiting foreign-based players, with Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy directly involved in the process.
