By Sports Desk
Former Uganda Cranes captain Khalid Aucho is among the headline names in the squad named for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Botswana, in a development that could mark a dramatic return to international football following his retirement announcement.
Aucho, one of Uganda’s most experienced midfielders and former national team captains, is in the squad as recognition for his contribution and leadership during his time with the Cranes.
Put says Aucho’s inclusion honours his contribution, describing him as a great player. He made the remarks at FUFA House, Mengo as he announced his squad.
His selection comes after he announced his retirement from international football earlier in October, making his reported return one of the major talking points ahead of the November fixtures.
The squad also features midfielder Bobosi Byaruhanga, whose inclusion adds technical quality and depth to Uganda’s midfield options as head coach Paul Put prepares his side for the two encounters.
Uganda will face Botswana on November 14 before travelling for the return fixture on November 17, with both matches forming part of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
The former captain has been an influential figure for Uganda over the years, offering experience, defensive discipline and leadership in the middle of the pitch.
However, this will be his official retirement time courtesy of Uganda Cranes management team and FUFA.
Bobosi Byaruhanga is another significant name in the squad.
The midfielder, who plays for Oakland Roots SC in the United States, has built a reputation for his composure on the ball, passing ability and versatility across midfield roles.
Byaruhanga previously established himself in Ugandan football with Vipers SC before moving abroad, gaining further experience in the United States and European football.
His return to the selection picture provides Put with another technically capable midfielder who can help Uganda control possession and transition between defence and attack.
Put has previously praised Byaruhanga’s versatility, noting his ability to operate in defensive, central and attacking midfield positions.
His inclusion alongside Aucho could give Uganda a useful combination of experience, energy and technical ability in the centre of the pitch.
Uganda Cranes Squad for Botswana Double-Header
The following is the complete 30-player list supplied for the November fixtures.
Goalkeepers
1. Denis Onyango — Mamelodi Sundowns FC, South Africa
2. Kingdom Osayl — Assyriska FF, Sweden
3. David Lukwago — SC Villa, Uganda
4. David Udoh Akpan — Mosta FC, Malta
Defenders
5. Toby Sibbick — Burton Albion FC, England
6. Jonathan Odengo — Entebbe UPPC FC, Uganda
7. Rogers Torach — CS Constantine, Algeria
8. Aziizi Kayondo — FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic
9. Kenneth Semakula — Al Ittihad Alexandria Club, Egypt
10. Nathan Asiimwe — Salford City FC, England
11. Hilary Mukundane — Vipers SC, Uganda
12. Gavin Kizito — Nairobi United FC, Kenya
13. Majub Toto — Atlanta United FC, USA
14. Herbert Achayi — KCCA FC, Uganda
15. Herbert Bockhorn — FC Magdeburg, Germany
Midfielders
16. Baba Alhassan — Mardin 1996 Spor, Turkey
17. Bobosi Byaruhanga — Oakland Roots SC, USA
18. Allan Oyirwoth — Dunfermline FC, Scotland
19. Joseph Seremba — Nairobi United FC, Kenya
20. Khalid Aucho — Sidama Bunna, Ethiopia
21. Abdoulaye Sissako — St. Truidense VV, Belgium
Forwards
22. Allan Okello — AS FAR Rabat, Morocco
23. James Bogere — AGF, Denmark
24. Travis Mutyaba — CS Sfaxien, Tunisia
25. Kelvin Boateng — FK Austria Wien, Austria
26. Rogers Mato — Hearts FC, Scotland
27. Arnold Vula — K. Beerschot V.A., Belgium
28. Sadam Masereka — Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, USA
29. Denis Omedi — Gor Mahia FC, Kenya
30. Frank Ssebufu — SC Villa, Uganda
Botswana Double-Header Presents Important Test
The two matches against Botswana will provide Uganda with an opportunity to strengthen their position in the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign while testing the depth of the squad.
The Cranes will be looking to combine the experience of established international players with the energy and ambition of emerging talents.
Aucho’s return and Byaruhanga’s inclusion give the midfield particular attention, with both players potentially offering different qualities to Put’s tactical plans.
Aucho Makes Uganda Cranes Return After Retirement as Bobosi Byaruhanga Headlines Squad for Botswana Double-Header
