AFCON Countdown – Uganda’s Cranes Return to AFCON: What to Expect in 2025

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Dec 06, 2025. 14:00

Uganda’s reappearance at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2025 signals a fresh chapter for the Cranes, who arrive with a blend of youth, experience, and a renewed sense of identity.

This will mark their eighth overall participation and their first since 2019 — a six-year absence that has only intensified the hunger within the squad and among supporters. While their most celebrated achievement remains the 1978 campaign that ended in a spirited runner-up finish, Uganda travel to the 2025 edition determined to shape a modern success story built on discipline, tactical clarity, and the relentless work ethic that has long defined their football culture.

At the heart of this resurgence is head coach Paul Put, a seasoned and widely travelled tactician whose tenure across Gambia, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Guinea, and Congo has shaped his understanding of African football’s rhythms and demands. Put is known for constructing organised, hard-working teams that press collectively, transition efficiently, and remain tactically disciplined even against more fancied opponents.

His 2013 Burkina Faso side famously reached the AFCON final — proof of his ability to elevate underdog teams into fearless contenders. With Uganda, he has emphasised defensive solidity, encouraged brave midfield play, and empowered young talents to express themselves.

The Cranes’ backbone remains the iconic Denis Onyango, whose leadership and presence continue to inspire as he approaches the twilight of his career. His command of the penalty area, sharp reflexes, and calming influence offer Uganda a crucial psychological edge in high-stakes matches.

In defence, players like Aziz Kayondo and Nicholas Wadada bring agility, reliability, and tactical flexibility. Kayondo provides pace and balance down the left, while Wadada’s experience offers defensive organisation and consistency.

Midfield has traditionally been Uganda’s heartbeat, and Paul Put has several options capable of dictating tempo and controlling intensity. Khalid Aucho offers steel, intelligence, and positional discipline, often acting as the connector who stabilises the team and sets the tone with his ball-winning presence.

Alongside him, Bobosi Byaruhanga and Kenneth Semukala contribute energy and forward momentum, able to break lines through incisive passing or progressive carries. This mix of resilience and creativity will be vital for competing with Africa’s top sides.

In attack, Uganda’s spark comes from Rogers Mato, Allan Okello, and the exciting Travis Mutyaba. Mato’s pace and direct threat stretch defences; Okello provides vision and technical finesse; and Mutyaba’s audacity and improvisation make him one of East Africa’s most promising young players. Together, they form a modern, fluid attacking unit with the courage to take risks.

As Uganda return to the continental spotlight, they do so with purpose, unity, and a belief that they can unsettle established powers. Their journey to AFCON 2025 promises to be one of the competition’s most compelling storylines — a team driven by ambition, identity, and the determination to make their presence felt on Africa’s grandest stage.