The Uganda U-15 National Team, the Rhinos, concluded their campaign at the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival Azerbaijan 2026 with valuable international experience, with the composition of the squad highlighting the growing relevance of domestic academy competitions in national team development.

Uganda finished third in Group U with 10 points, recording victories over Equatorial Guinea, Cabo Verde and Tonga, drawing with Ecuador and losing to the Kyrgyz Republic. The Rhinos subsequently competed in Tier C, registering victories over Yemen, Japan and Benin before concluding their campaign against France.

Uganda finished 69th overall among the 189 participating countries.

FUFA Academies League contributes to national team pathway

Thirteen of the 14 players in the Rhinos squad came from academies that participated in the pilot FUFA Academies League held in the Kampala and Buganda regions. The remaining player came from Jinja Secondary School.

Among the players was Kasumba Angello, who finished as the pilot competition’s top scorer with 23 goals, before earning an opportunity to represent Uganda on the international stage. Launched in 2026 with support from the FIFA Talent Development Scheme (TDS), the pilot league brought together 20 academies, providing young players with a structured competition in which to develop and demonstrate their abilities.

The representation of participating academies in the Rhinos squad offers a tangible example of how domestic competitions can contribute to identifying and preparing players for national youth teams.

As FUFA continues to strengthen its football development structures, the experience of the Rhinos in Azerbaijan reinforces the value of connecting academy football at home with opportunities to compete internationally.

Squad

Maganda Swalleh (Prosper SA), Kimuli Sudaisi (El Cambio SA), Kyeswa Ashiraf (Jinja S.S), Muhimbo Patson (Prosper SA), Ogwang Victor Bonny (Prosper SA), Zizinga Najib (Isra SA), Baluku Frank (El Cambio SA), Muwanguzi Jonah (Msingi SA), Wafula Ian (El Cambio SA), Bakiika Ethan Tendo Ssaazi (Proline SA), Kasumba Angello (El Cambio SA), Kiganda Ivan (Rays of Grace), Muwonge Mathias (Prosper SA) and Kwikiriza Jefferson (El Cambio SA).