Uganda set to compete in inaugural CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship

Uganda is gearing up to participate in the first-ever CECAFA Beach Soccer Championship, scheduled to take place from June 6 to 11, 2025, at Pirates Beach in Mombasa, Kenya.

The national beach soccer team, the Sand Cranes, commenced their training camp on Sunday, May 25. The 22-man squad assembled at FUFA House in Mengo at 10:00 AM before proceeding to the Bamboo Gardens Beach Soccer Arena in Kasanje for preparations.

The championship is expected to draw around eight teams from across East and Central Africa, marking a significant milestone for beach soccer in the region.

The Sand Cranes will be under the guidance of head coach Arch Rica Byaruhanga, assisted by Akabwai Geofrey and Baker Lukooya.

The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising new talent from beach soccer clubs and academic institutions across the country. Notable inclusions are Kikonyogo Jonathan from St. Lawrence University and Kibirige Meddie from Kampala City BSC.

Among the goalkeepers are Mutebi Ronald, Kasibante Edward, and Omedwa Rogers. Forwards Kigozi Ambrose and Lubwama Joshua are set to spearhead the attack, while defenders Oppuuli Sharif and Mukwata Peter will be central to the team’s backline.

This tournament presents a valuable opportunity for Uganda to showcase its beach soccer prowess on a regional platform.

In addition to this tournament, CECAFA has a busy calendar ahead for 2025, which includes the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup, the Dar Port-Kagame Cup, as well as youth and women’s competitions such as the U-17 AFCON qualifiers and the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Full squad 

Goalkeepers (GK)

Kibirige Meddie – Kampala City 
Mutebi Ronald – Unattached
Kasibante Edward – Buganda Royal Institute 
Omedwa Rogers – Kampala City 

Defenders (DF)
Kikonyogo Jonathan – SLAU University 
Oppuuli Sharif – Kampala City 
Mukwata Peter – Mutoola 
Lule Paul – Kampala City
Lubega Sharif – St. Lawrence University 
Kuol Micheal – London College of St. Lawrence

Forwards (FWD)

Edweu Godfrey – Teso College Aloet
Kigozi Ambrose – Kampala City
Nyalimo Steven – Mutoola 
Niyonzima Benon – Unattached
Niwesasira Sison – Standard High Zana
Nkuubi Brian – Kampala City 
Lubwama Joshua – Kampala City 
Kagezi Junior – MS-Sandlions
Turyamuhika Dues – MUBs
Lasu Thomas Lomoro MUBs
Ssendi Joseph Kabona – Buganda Royal Institute 
Wasswa Emmanuel Alex – Kampala City