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Top 20 Ugandan Football Players in 2025 – Analysis and Betting Opportunities

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Top 20 Ugandan Football Players in 2025 – Analysis and Betting Opportunities


Ugandan football feels alive again. The Cranes are chasing a place at AFCON 2025, and it no longer comes down to just one or two big names. The shirt is carried by many. 

Travis Mutyaba, who first showed up as a 16-year-old back in 2022 and is now in France, adds freshness. Older players bring the scars of hard leagues, and the captains know how to steady things when matches get tense.

Fans don’t just show up for kick-off; they pay attention to the details. Who has the nerve to take a penalty without blinking? Solid defenders cut down on needless cards, and wingers who can still create late chances shift the mood of a match. 

For gamblers, those moments connect directly to markets on penalties, bookings, or assists. For supporters, they’re the reasons this team feels different. This guide profiles some of the famous Ugandan football players shaping the team right now. 

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Ugandan Football Stars

All national teams have a backbone, and for Uganda, it’s a mix of talent who took different paths to get here. Some of these players are Kampala-born and bred, kicking balls on school fields until someone noticed them. Others departed early, inking their initial deals overseas and adapting to new tactics and coaches abroad. What unites them is their role in the Cranes’ current set-up.

Up front, Denis Omedi has turned heads in the Uganda Premier League this season by scoring runs, while Steven Mukwala has kept fans talking since his goals for Asante Kotoko in Ghana’s top flight. In midfield, Allan Okello’s return to KCCA in 2023 gave the side creativity, and Bobosi Byaruhanga brings the edge he showed at the 2022 CHAN tournament.

In defence, Bevis Mugabi is carrying serious experience. He made more than 100 appearances in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell before moving on. Halid Lwaliwa has already worn the Uganda shirt over 20 times (24 caps as of mid-2025). Between the sticks, Ismail Watenga impressed in the 2024–25 South African Premier Soccer League: 10 appearances for Golden Arrows with four clean sheets. Those are the kind of numbers that explain not just roles but reliability.

Looking at each individual, it’s easier to understand how together they shape Uganda’s style and identity on the field.

1. Travis Mutyaba 

Travis Mutyaba is the kind of player people notice right away. Small, quick, always looking forward. He plays like the ball belongs to him. At only 16, he was already trusted to wear the national shirt. That says enough about his talent.

Early Life

He grew up in Kampala, showing up in school tournaments where speed and flair made him stand out. He spent some youth time with Vipers SC’s junior team and Synergy FC in the Futsal Super League before signing a senior contract with SC Villa in August 2021.

Betting angle: Monitor assists and chances created rather than goals. He’s the type of player who can surprise markets. 

2. Denis Omedi 

Where Mutyaba shows youth, Denis Omedi produces power. At 30, he’s the striker Uganda leans on. He doesn’t just score, but delivers in the big moments. For example, in the 2025 AFCON qualifier in September, Omedi struck to level the game 2–2 against South Africa at Orlando Stadium. That kind of clutch finish is exactly what his team need when the pressure is highest.

Early Life

Omedi started in Gulu, playing on rough pitches where every chance counted. He learned to fight for space, to finish even when the angle was tight. That instinct carried him into the top flight, where his reputation grew quickly.

Career and Betting Value

His record tells the story. Denis Omedi scored 18 goals for Kitara in the 2022/23 FUFA Big League and added 15 more in the 2023/24 Uganda Premier League. Now at APR FC in Rwanda, he keeps finding the net. 

Type “Denis Omedi goal” into any highlights reel and you’ll see why fans remember his rabona finish against KCCA in the FUFA Super 8. It was a strike that even caught FIFA’s attention, though it didn’t make the final Puskás shortlist.

Details like Denis Omedi’s salary matter less than what he gives on the pitch: reliability. He’s often a dependable choice for goals, especially when you’re looking at anytime scorer options.

Betting angle: A sound anytime-scorer. He often delivers in key moments, making him one of the safer picks in goalscorer markets.

3. Rogers Mato 

Rogers Mato plays with energy that never seems to run out. He’s young, flexible, and already trusted in the national set-up. Whether on the right, left, or through the middle, he knows how to fit into the team’s shape.

Early Life

Mato grew up in Kampala, where football is more than just a game. He was known as “the kid who could play anywhere and still make a difference”. That versatility followed him into professional football.

Rising Talent and Future Opportunities

At Brera Strumica, he produced 5 goals and 7 assists in one season. Recently, he scored for Vardar FC, proving he can deliver in big moments. Fans sometimes search for him under “Mato Rogers”, but no matter the name, the story is the same. 

He’s a winger who can cover many roles. For the Cranes, his 25 international appearances indicate trust from the manager. His main value shows up in assist numbers, where he consistently delivers.

Betting angle: He’s best followed in assist or “goal involvement” markets rather than pure scoring odds. More of a provider than a finisher. 

4. Ismail Watenga 

Uganda’s last line of defence is in the hands of Ismail Watenga. Now at Golden Arrows in South Africa, he’s earned 26 caps for Uganda and kept 4 clean sheets in 12 2024/25 PSL games. He’s not a flashy keeper, but his steady form is why the Cranes lean on him when matches heat up.

Early Life

Watenga’s career started in Jinja before moving into the professional leagues. Early on, his quick reactions and strong hands marked him out as something different. His rise to the national team was no surprise.

Achievements 

At Golden Arrows, Watenga Ismail has put in steady performances. In the 2024/25 PSL season, he played 12 matches and managed 4 clean sheets (about a third of his games). One of his best outings came in a 0–0 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in May 2024, where several key saves earned him Man of the Match. With 26 caps for Uganda, he brings experience and calm to the back line.

Betting angle: Watenga’s value shows up more in clean-sheet or low-scoring match markets, especially when he’s on a good run of games.

5. Allan Okello 

Allan Okello captains Vipers SC and directs play from midfield for Uganda. He’s only 25, but already wears the armband and shapes games from midfield. For his team, he’s the link between defence and attack.

Early Life

Okello grew up in Lira, playing street football before joining the academy system. His left foot stood out early, and coaches saw a midfielder who could read the game with unusual composure. That vision earned him his first senior debut while still a teenager.

Check Allan Okello’s stats, and you’ll see why bettors rate him in both goals and assists markets. For Uganda, he’s the midfielder who controls the tempo, safe on the ball, and always dangerous with a free kick.

Betting angle: Strong in both scoring and creating. He’s a good option in goals + assists markets, and his free-kick threat adds extra value.

6. Jude Ssemugabi 

Some strikers get noticed for goals. Others for how they play without the ball. Jude Ssemugabi gives you both. He works hard, stays disciplined, and still finds the net when it counts.

Early Life

Born in Mbarara, he came through youth football quietly. Coaches admired his discipline because he never chased unnecessary fouls and never lost focus. 

Profile and Opportunities

In 2023/24, Ssemugabi made headlines by finishing with zero yellow or red cards, unusual for a striker. His scoring record sits around 0.26 strikes per game, and his debut goal against Congo showed calm under pressure. If you check out Jude Ssemugabi’s profile, you’ll see a player with clean stats and sharp finishing. 

Betting angle: He’s not only about goals but about safe markets. So, fewer risks of bookings and a consistent presence in the attack.

7. Allan Oyirwoth 

Every few years, Uganda produces a teenager who makes people stop and look. Right now, that’s Allan Oyirwoth. Only 18, but already showing the touch and composure of a senior player.

Early Life

Oyirwoth grew up in Gulu, standing out in youth tournaments where he often left defenders chasing shadows. Tall, quick, and confident, he was seen as the boy who could go further. Coaches called him a natural midfielder with the body of a modern athlete.

Future Opportunities

His move to the New England Revolution in the MLS is a huge step. On his international debut, he even registered an assist against Somalia, not bad for a teenager. People search for Oyirwoth Allan to follow his progress, and for good reason. If he continues to grow, he’ll soon be among the famous Uganda football players, leading the next generation.

Betting angle: Still under the radar. When he starts, there’s value in low-stakes “to score or assist” bets because bookmakers often underrate him.

8. Khalid Aucho 

If Oyirwoth is the future, Khalid Aucho is the present memory of Uganda’s strength. A former captain, a leader, and the kind of player you want in a tough qualifier.

Early Life

Aucho was raised in Jinja, where football was as common as the morning sun. From there, he worked his way up with grit, known early for strong tackles and fearless running. Coaches spotted him as a defensive midfielder who could shut down games.

Experience 

Aucho has played across Africa and Asia, bringing experience into every match. His tactical fouls sometimes mean bookings, but that’s part of his role. Fans still talk about his famous overhead kick goal against Botswana. 

Check Khalid Aucho’s stats, and you’ll see years of steady work. Though currently a free agent, his name carries weight. 

Betting angle: He’s less about goals, more about discipline, cards, and experience. 

9. Aziz Kayondo 

When you watch Aziz Kayondo, the first thing you notice is how calm he looks on the ball. He isn’t the type to panic under pressure. Give him space on the left flank, and he’ll push forward with confidence, often crossing early before defenders expect it.

First Steps

Kayondo came through Vipers SC, a club that have shaped many of Uganda’s best. From a young age, he stood out for his ability to overlap and still track back. Coaches praised him for being a disciplined defender, one who never lost shape even when the game opened up.

International Rise

Now playing in the Czech First League, his value has shot up. Aziz Kayondo’s current club list him as a regular starter, proof that his move abroad has paid off. Two goals for the national team show he can chip in going forward, too. Look at his record, and you’ll see why he’s considered one of the most exciting Ugandan full-backs in years. 

Betting angle: Offers two angles — occasional assists from wide runs and a steady chance of bookings in physical games.

10. Elvis Bwomono 

Elvis Bwomono is harder to pin down. Sometimes he plays as a right-back, sometimes tucks inside as a centre-back. That flexibility makes him a coach’s favourite and a problem for opponents trying to guess Uganda’s formation.

Early Life

Born in Uganda but raised in England, he came through Southend United’s system. From his early days, he showed he could switch roles without losing rhythm. It wasn’t flashy play, more about reliability and discipline.

Career Path and Strengths

With over 220 professional appearances across England and Scotland, he’s built a reputation as a steady hand. Elvis Bwomono’s stats will show you assists here and there, but the real value is minutes and consistency. He rarely misses games. For the Cranes, he brings calmness at the back, a defender you can trust to do his job without fuss. 

Betting angle: He’s the type you look at for safe, appearance-based markets.

11. Bobosi Byaruhanga 

Bobosi Byaruhanga plays like a motor in midfield. He never stops running, always looking for the next pass or shot. Watching him, you feel his energy lifts the whole team.

Early Life

He grew up in Mbale, where street football shaped his quick feet. From a young age, he was praised as a midfielder who could both tackle and create. His rise through Vipers SC showed he had the tools for bigger challenges.

Career and Betting Insight

Now in the U.S., playing in MLS Next Pro, he’s adjusted well. A look at Bobosi Byaruhanga’s salary tells you clubs value his work rate. He shoots often, picks up some cards, but also knows how to push play forward. He’s reliable in qualifiers. 

Betting angle: He’s useful in shot and card markets.

12. Bevis Mugabi 

Bevis Mugabi has made a name for himself by dominating in the air. In Scotland, he’s handled tall strikers week after week, and with Uganda, he gives the back line some real assurance. At 1.88m, he doesn’t shy from aerial duels, and most of the time, he comes out on top. When the ball is floated into the box, he’s the kind of defender opponents don’t like to meet.

Early Days

Born in London but proud of his Ugandan roots, he trained in English academies before choosing to play for the Cranes. From the start, he looked like a natural defender, tall, strong, and always alert.

Career and Value

With nearly 100 games in the Scottish Premiership, Mugabi knows how to handle pressure. His move to Carlisle United keeps him in competitive football. If you take a look at Bevis Mugabi’s stats, you’ll find clear numbers: full minutes, headers won, solid defensive records. If you’re making a wager, he’s valued for his discipline.

Betting angle: His height and set-piece role put him in the mix for early bookings or even the odd first goal, especially in scrappy, physical games.

13. Ronald Ssekiganda 

From Mugabi’s strength at the back, we move into the midfield, where Uganda often builds its rhythm. And here, Ronald Ssekiganda quietly keeps things ticking. He’s not the loudest name in the squad, but his steady hand has been key for both club and country.

Background

Raised in Kampala, Ssekiganda’s game was shaped by patience. He wasn’t chasing flashy skills; he was learning how to control space. That calmness earned him early respect, and it still shows every time he steps into a formation.

Career and Role

At SC Villa, where he even wore the captain’s armband, he proved himself as a leader. His numbers tell the story: more assists than goals, showing he’s a creator first. A look at Ssekiganda Ronald highlights his role as a dependable midfielder. 

Betting angle: He offers value in assist markets and minutes played, less so in goals.

14. Hakim Kiwanuka

Where Ssekiganda brings calm, Hakim Kiwanuka brings sparks. He’s still young, still finding his role, but when he’s on the ball, you can sense the crowd leaning forward.

Early Life

Kiwanuka grew up in Kampala, too, but his style is the opposite of Ssekiganda’s. He was the kid always running at defenders, testing his pace, trying tricks. Coaches let him keep that fearless edge because they saw a striker in the making.

Next Steps

Now, Kiwanuka is carving out space in the Cranes’ set-up. He hasn’t exploded with goals yet, but his runs stretch defences and create openings. Search his name, and you’ll see fans already calling him one of Uganda’s future hopes. 

Betting angle: He’s one to watch in long-shot markets, especially when Uganda looks for impact from a substitute.

15. Farouk Miya 

After talking about Kiwanuka’s future, it’s natural to look back at the player who carried Uganda for years: Farouk Miya. He’s the name most fans know, the forward who scored in big qualifiers and tournaments.

Youth Years

Miya grew up in Bulo, where every small pitch became his training ground. Coaches noticed his calm finishing early. It wasn’t just about power; he had timing, the ability to wait and strike when it mattered.

Career and Role

As of October 2025, Farouk Miya has 78 caps and 23 goals for Uganda, having made his international debut back in July 2014. His career has taken him across Africa and Europe, from Vipers SC and Standard Liège to clubs in Turkey and Azerbaijan. Right now, he’s a free agent after leaving Çaykur Rizespor in 2023. When fit and getting minutes, he still carries the ability to influence matches, especially with penalties and strikes in tense situations.

Betting angle: Miya is less of a consistent pick these days, given his free-agent status, but when he’s called up and sharp, he remains a player who can turn games.

16. Steven Mukwala 

If Miya’s story shows experience, Steven Mukwala brings the reminder that Uganda still has strikers in their prime. He scores regularly and doesn’t shy away from tough matches.

Early Life

Mukwala started in Hoima, chasing goals from his school days. Everyone knew him as the boy who always looked for the net. That instinct never left him.

Career and Strengths

Mukwala Steven proved himself in Ghana, scoring 27 goals across two Ghana Premier League seasons with Asante Kotoko (2021–23). Now at Simba SC in Tanzania (as of July 2025), he continues to produce in league and CAF matches.

Betting angle: Consider him in the anytime-scorer market when his recent minutes and form are strong, especially in away fixtures where his record has been reliable.

17. Muhammad Shaban

Muhammad Shaban is the type of striker who never gives up on a chance. Strong, direct, and always looking for goal, he has made his name in Ugandan football by scoring when his team need it most.

Early Life

He grew up in Arua, where football was his way forward. From local pitches to KCCA FC, his drive was clear: he wanted to be the striker people remembered.

Career

Shaban has had his ups and downs. Injuries slowed him in Morocco, but he bounced back at KCCA with an 18-goal season. He also produced a famous four-goal game that fans still talk about. Now in Libya, he keeps scoring. People even search for Muhammad Shaban’s salary, proof of how much interest there is in his career. 

Betting angle: He’s valuable in goal markets, especially in CAF games, where he often finds the net.

18. Halid Lwaliwa 

Halid Lwaliwa doesn’t play for glory. He plays to keep order. As a defender, he’s one of Uganda’s most trusted names, known for reading the game well and staying calm in pressure moments.

Youth Years

Born in Kasese, Lwaliwa built his reputation at Vipers SC. Coaches saw he was reliable, the kind of defender who doesn’t lose focus easily.

Career and Role

With 39 caps for the Cranes, he brings real international weight. Now in Saudi Arabia, he’s testing himself in a stronger league. Fans sometimes look up Halid Lwaliwa’s news to track his progress abroad. 

Betting angle: He’s not a goal threat, but he’s steady in minutes, tackles, and defensive stats. A safe, predictable pick.

19. Timothy Awany 

Timothy Awany is one of those defenders every coach wants. Strong in duels, calm under pressure, and able to guide the back line, he brings leadership as well as stability.

Early Life

He started out in Kampala before breaking through with KCCA FC. His style was clear from the beginning: tough tackling, smart positioning, and a natural sense of when to step up.

Career and Value

Now in Israel’s top league, he has over 40 caps for the Cranes. Fans often search for Timothy Dennis Awany to keep up with his steady career abroad. He rarely makes mistakes, and that’s what makes him reliable. 

Betting angle: His consistency in appearances, tackles, and minutes played.

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20. Kenneth Ssemakula

Ending this list with Kenneth Ssemakula feels right. He represents where Ugandan football is heading. Young, disciplined, and already trusted at the highest level.

Early Life

Ssemakula grew up in Jinja and came through SC Villa, where he quickly earned respect for his calm presence on the ball. Wearing the captain’s armband at such a young age showed he wasn’t just another squad player. He was built to lead.

Future Path

Now playing in Kuwait, he’s gaining valuable international experience. With nearly 20 caps already, Kenneth Ssemakula has shown he can be relied upon in both league matches and tough qualifiers. 

He’s not known for goals or flashy moments, but his consistency makes him one of the most dependable names on the team sheet. If Uganda’s defence has a future cornerstone, it may well be him.

Betting angle: His value shows in appearance and defensive stats markets. Reliable for minutes played and steady in tackle or card lines.

Responsible Gambling 

Betting should never get in the way of life. In Uganda, it’s only legal for those 18+. If it stops being fun or feels hard to control, help is available from gamblingtherapy.org 

to local support lines. Set limits, take breaks, and keep the game in its place.

F.A.Q.

  • Which Ugandan Players Are Playing Abroad?

    As of July 2025, key names include Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), Bevis Mugabi (Carlisle United, England), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech First League), and Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel). Based on recent form and selections.

  • Who Is Considered The Best Ugandan Player Right Now?

    Allan Okello is seen as the top name today, leading the team with goals and creativity.

  • Who Are The Rising Stars In Ugandan Football?

    Travis Mutyaba, Allan Oyirwoth, and Rogers Mato stand out as the most exciting young talents.

  • How Many Ugandan Players Are In The National Team Squad?

    The squad usually carries 23–25 players, with most of the 20 listed here being regular selections.





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