Uganda Rugby Union has officially announced a 28-man squad for the Rugby Africa Cup 2025, set to take place at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala from July 8 to 19.
Uganada Rugby Cranes XVs will be captained by Byron Okeyatot, with Frank Kidega and Conrad Wanyama Wandera serving as vice-captains.
This squad features a mix of youthful talent and experienced internationals, including the dynamic fullback Philip Wokorach, who recently shone in the Indian Rugby Premier League with the Bengaluru Bravehearts. Wokorach finished the 2023-2024 season as the second-highest try scorer, tallying 12 tries in 12 matches bagging the Emerging Player of the Season award.
Also included is seasoned utility back Adrian Kasito, who continues his professional career with French side Rugby Club Tricastin after recently extending his contract for another year.
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Uganda’s head coach Mudoola is supported by a strong technical team that includes assistant coaches Leonard Lubambula and Marvin Harold Odong, strength and conditioning coach Timothy Mudoola, and consultant coaches Zane Kirchner and Marais Cornelius Johannes.
The squad has been reduced from 34 players who participated in a preparation tour in southern Africa, where they played three matches over two weeks. The team narrowly lost to Namibia 22-19, defeated Limpopo Blue Bulls 57-26, and suffered a heavy defeat against Currie Cup side Pumas, losing 102-0.
Uganda will kick off the tournament with a crucial East African derby against Kenya Simbas in the final match of the opening day. The semi-finals are scheduled for Sunday, July 13, with the finals later that week. Only one team will secure Africa’s direct qualification spot for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Uganda Rugby Cranes XVs Squad – Rugby Africa Cup 2025
Forwards:
1. Bwambale Nathan Asiimire
2. Edward Emieumu
3. Ssenteza Wycliff Santos
4. Ayebazibwe Blair
5. Kivumbi Saul
6. Kimbowa Collin
7. Maido Fahad
8. Emong Eliphaz
9. Opio Julius
10. Gongodyo Sydney
11. Wandera Brian
12. Okeyatot Byron (Captain)
13. Kidega Frank (Vice Captain)
14. Ogena Pius
15. Desire Ayera
16. Aturinda Alex
Backs:
17. Massanganziira Isaac
18. Wokorach Philip
19. Otema Ivan
20. Ssembusi Shakim
21. Timothy Kisiga
22. Conrad Wanyama Wandera (Vice Captain)
23. Ofwoyroth Aaron
24. Kasito Adrian
25. Jadwong Joseph Aredo
26. Liam Walker Christopher
27. Ampeirwe William Nkore
28. Munyani Ian Arnold
