Uganda Cranes add nine players with Ugandan roots

Uganda’s Football Federation (FUFA) has stepped up efforts to strengthen the Uganda Cranes ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations by exploring the naturalisation of players with Ugandan heritage who were born and raised abroad.

Nine new players were introduced to the national team setup on Sunday as the Cranes travelled from Kampala to Hoima City for their AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture against Libya.

Two of the newcomers, Nathan Asiimwe and Noble Okello, have already made their debuts, featuring in Uganda’s game against Tunisia on Thursday.

The other players are Abdoulaye Sissako, Akpan David Udoh, Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi, Souleyman Diaby, Arnold Vula, Ghanaian-born forward Kelvin Owusu Boateng and goalkeeper Kingdom Osayi.

Some could feature when Uganda face Libya on Tuesday, while the majority are expected to have an opportunity during the Cranes’ two friendly matches against DR Congo next month.

FUFA’s move is part of a wider strategy to expand the pool of players available to the national team by identifying footballers abroad who have Ugandan family connections.

Several of the players had previously been linked with a possible switch to Uganda, and their inclusion in the latest squad marks a significant step towards making them available for international football.

Abdoulaye Sissako

The 28-year-old midfielder plays for Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden.

Born in France on 26 May 1998, Sissako previously represented France at Under-18 and Under-19 level.

He has Malian and Ugandan heritage. His parents were born in Mali, while his grandmother, Sakona, was born in Kampala.

Akpan David Udoh

Goalkeeper Udoh was born on 18 July 1999 and currently plays for Mosta FC in Malta.

He was part of Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets squad that won the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2015.

Udoh qualifies for Uganda through his grandmother, Auma, who was born in Busia.

Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi

Debohi, born on 15 January 2001, can operate as a defensive midfielder or centre-back and plays for Polish club Rakow Czestochowa.

He was born to Ivorian parents from Kouibly but has Ugandan heritage through his maternal grandmother, Tereza Wandera, who was born in Majanji.

Souleyman Diaby

The 26-year-old left-back plays for Swiss club FC Winterthur.

Diaby was born on 8 October 1999 to Ivorian parents. His Ugandan connection comes through his maternal grandfather, Sulaiman Sonko, who is from Masaka.

Arnold Vula

Forward Vula was born on 26 March 1999 and plays for Belgian second-tier club K. Beerschot VA.

Although born to Congolese parents, he has Ugandan roots through his paternal grandmother, who was born in Pakwach. His Congolese grandfather also lived in the same area.

Kelvin Owusu Boateng

The 26-year-old striker was born on 24 March 2000 to Ghanaian parents from Accra.

Boateng, who stands at 1.84m, is expected to add pace and physical presence to Uganda’s attack.

He came through Ghana’s renowned Right to Dream Academy and currently plays for Austria Vienna.

His eligibility for Uganda comes through one of his grandparents, who was born in Uganda.

Kingdom Osayi

Osayi is the youngest of the group, having been born on 3 June 2004 to Nigerian parents.

The 1.98m goalkeeper plays for Swedish side Assyriska FF and has Ugandan heritage through his maternal grandmother, who was born in Kaberamaido.

His height and age provide Uganda with another option in the goalkeeping department as the Cranes prepare for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

With several of the new arrivals now integrated into the national team setup, FUFA will hope the recruitment of players from the Ugandan diaspora can increase competition for places and provide the Cranes with greater depth as they pursue qualification for the 2027 tournament.