​Uganda’s head coach, Paul Put, has revealed the reasons behind the absence of certain players for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana.

In particular, he clarified the situation regarding Noble Okello, whose profile and logistical constraints played a major role in the coach’s final decision.

“I had a conversation with him (Okello), and he had encountered some issues during his last visit here. He was quarantined in Canada and only returned to his club a few days ago. Calling him up for this training camp would mean he’d have to go through the same process again. We discussed this with him; he understood the situation, and we hope to have him available for the matches in March of next year,” Put said.

​In addition, the coach noted that Dieudonne Gaucho Debohi and Souleymane Diaby, although they appeared in the friendlies against the DRC, will have to wait a little longer due to administrative formalities.

Their applications for a change of sporting nationality are still pending approval by FIFA.