The 40-year-old, who retired from the national team in April 2021 after the Cranes failed to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is part of the 28-man squad named by head coach Paul Put ahead of their Group G fixtures against Mozambique and Somalia.
Joining Onyango in the Cranes goal is fellow custodian Salim Jamal, who also returns to the national team setup. Explaining the return of Onyango, who by the time of retiring had managed 82 caps, the Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) said his comeback from retirement was meant to bolster the side.
“The squad blends experienced internationals with emerging talents from both local and overseas clubs. The highlight of the announcement is the return of veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango, who comes out of international retirement to bolster the Cranes’ ranks,” read part of the statement from FUFA.
Onyango’s experience speaks for itself. Having begun his career in his native country, Onyango went on to play in the South African Premier Soccer League with SuperSport United, Mpumalanga Black Aces, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
With Sundowns, he won the 2016 CAF Champions League and took part in the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup. He was named the 2016 African-based African Player of the year. He was also ranked as the tenth best goalkeeper in the world in the list for 2016, compiled by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics.
He helped the Cranes qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by conceding only two goals in six matches in their qualifying group. He made his first appearance at the AFCON in the 31st edition that was hosted by Gabon in 2017.
Onyango was recently part of the goalkeeping technical team for Uganda's national team when Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda co-hosted the 2024 CHAN. Onyango, Mrisho Ngasa from Tanzania, together with Victor Wanyama from Kenya, were selected by CAF to unveil the trophy to be won. Despite all hosts emerging on top of their groups, they were knocked out in the quarter-finals.
The squad also welcomes back defender Herbert Bockhorn and left-back Jordan Obita, who impressed during his debut in the previous international break in Morocco against Cameroon.
Uchechukwu Ikpeazu called up to Uganda squad
Apart from Onyango, coach Put called up forward Uchechukwu Mubiru Ikpeazu, who plays for Scottish Championship club St Johnstone. Ikpeazu was first called up to the Uganda squad by coach Johnathan McKinstry for two 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches in March 2020, but the games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda.
McKinstry's successor, Milutin Sredojević, attempted to call him up in April 2022 but Ikpeazu wanted to stay in Wales and try and fight for his place in the Cardiff City team. This becomes the second time he is being considered, and could finally debut for the Cranes.
Uganda who are placed fourth in their group with seven points, will host second-placed Mozambique on September 5th at Nelson Mandela Stadium, and face Somalia at the same venue three days later.
Full squad list
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia) and Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC, Uganda).
Defenders: Elvis Bwomono (IBV Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland), Herbert Bockhorn (FC Magdeburg, Germany), Elio Capradossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC, Uganda), Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC, Uganda), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Aziz Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Herbert Achayi (KCCA FC, Uganda) and Gavin Kizito (KCCA FC, Uganda).
Midfielders: Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Kenneth Semakula (Al Arabi SC, Kuwait), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC, Uganda), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC, Uganda) and Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia).
Forwards: Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Joseph Mpande (PVF Cand FC, Vietnam), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa, Uganda), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC, Uganda), John Paul Dembe (AC Hackens, Sweden), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda) and Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St. Johnstone, Scotland).
