Bogere, who impressed for Uganda at the recent FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar—where the team exited in the Round of 16—earns his first senior call-up following a rapid rise through the ranks.

Uganda has been drawn in Group C alongside African heavyweights Nigeria and Tunisia, as well as East African rivals Tanzania, for a tournament that runs from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco.

Speaking before the team departed for Casablanca on Sunday, Put said he was confident that continuity and preparation would work in their favour.

“Our major target will be to qualify from the group and advance to the knockout stage,” Put was quoted on the CECAFA website.

The Belgian tactician added that the Cranes’ 11-day training camp in Morocco, including two scheduled international friendlies, will be crucial in helping the players adapt to conditions ahead of the tournament.

Full Uganda squad

Goalkeepers:

Salim Omar Magoola (Richards Bay FC, South Africa), Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago (KCCA FC, Uganda)

Defenders:

Toby Sibbick (Burton Albion, England), Elio Caprodossi (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Jordan Obita (Hibernian, Scotland), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Abdu Azizi Kayondo (Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Isaac Muleme (Viktoria Žižkov, Czech Republic), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), David Owori (SC Villa), Hilary Mukundane (Vipers SC)

Midfielders:

Kenneth Semakula (Al-Adalah, Saudi Arabia), Khalid Aucho (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania), Ronald Ssekiganda (APR FC, Rwanda), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Oakland Roots, USA), Alhassan Baba (FCSB, Romania)

Forwards:

Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Melvyn Lorenzen (Muangthong United, Thailand), Travis Mutyaba (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia), Denis Omedi (APR FC, Rwanda), Rogers Mato (FK Vardar, North Macedonia), Reagan Mpande (SC Villa), Jude Ssemugabi (Jamus FC, South Sudan), Uchechukwu Ikpeazu (St Johnstone, Scotland), Steven Mukwala (Simba SC, Tanzania), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (KCCA FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC)

Ashley Cupido called up by Bafana for crucial World Cup qualifier