Uganda’s U-17 national team, the Uganda Cubs, have won the 2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations CECAFA zonal qualifiers, with captain Henry Muhoozi named Most Valuable Player and Arnold Kayemba finishing as the tournament’s top scorer.
The Cubs secured the title after defeating Somalia 6-5 in a penalty shootout following a draw in regulation time, according to the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA).
Somalia finished as runners-up, earning silver medals, while Uganda claimed the championship after a closely contested final.
Uganda goalkeeper David Ssegirinya was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament in recognition of his performances during the competition.
Muhoozi received the Most Valuable Player award from CECAFA Vice President and Somali Football Federation President Ali Abdi Mohamed, while Kayemba was presented with the top scorer award by Richard Mugisha, FERWAFA’s Second Vice President in charge of technical matters.
Ssegirinya’s goalkeeper award was presented by Ronnie Karakire, First Secretary at the Uganda High Commission in Kigali.
Uganda head coach Laryea Kingston praised his players’ performances and expressed confidence that some members of the squad could progress to the global stage.
“We are building and am proud of what my players have exhibited. No doubt 20% of these players will be at the U17 World Cup,” Kingston said.
Somalia’s coach, Daadir Amin Ali, also spoke about his team’s second-place finish, as the side settled for silver after losing the final on penalties.
Ethiopia received the Fair Play Award, presented by Mansoor Kabugo, leader of delegation for the Uganda U-17 national team.
The CECAFA qualifiers serve as a regional competition for national teams seeking progression through the African U-17 football pathway. Uganda’s title and the individual awards provide a boost to the country’s youth football programme as the players seek opportunities to advance to higher levels of competition.
