ABU DHABI – Alexis Bbakka and Abdu Lumala are understood to have teamed up with the Uganda Cranes squad currently camped in Abu Dhabi.
The pair who ply their trade in Sweden become the 20th and 21st players to arrive as Uganda beefs up preparations for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt later this month.
Bbakka is a forward who plays Carlstad United BK while Lumala is a midfielder at Syrianska FC.
Having arrived on Monday evening, the duo who are yet to play a single game for the Cranes, are expected to feature in Tuesday’s training session at the Sheikh Zayat Stadium-Cricket Sports Complex.
Seven (7) more players are expected to arrive in Camp later this week as they are yet to be released by their respective clubs.
For goalkeeper, Charles Lukwago, he is still with the COSAFA Cranes who are in South Africa. The Abdallah Mubiru coached side will take on South Africa in the Semi finals of the Plate mini-tournament on Tuesday.
Sebastien Desabre and his technical team will name the final 23 man squad 10 days before the kick off of the final tournament.
They are set to take on Turkmenistan and Ivory Coast in two build up games before departing for Egypt.
The Match against Turkmenistan will be played behind closed doors at the New York University Play grounds in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, June 9th.
From there, they will play Ivory Coast on Saturday, June, 15th at a yet to be named venue.
At the finals proper, Uganda is in Group A alongside hosts Egypt, DR Congo and Zimbabwe.
The 21 players currently camped in Abu Dhabi
Denis Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awanyi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Patrick Kaddu, Bevis Mugabi, Isaac Muleme, Khalid Aucho, Tadeo Lwanga, Allan Kyambadde, Saddam Juma, Moses Waiswa and Murushid Jjuuko, Derrick Nsibambi, Kirizestom Ntambi, Farouk Miya, Kizito Luwaga, Salim Jamal, Alexis Bbakka, Abdu Lumala.
Officials in Abu Dhabi
Leader of Delegation – Issa Magola
Head Coach – Sebastien Desabre
Assistant Coach – Matia Lule
Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba
Team Doctor – Ronald Kisolo
Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana
Media Officer – Ahmed Hussein
Physical Fitness Trainer – Jerome D’Antonio
Kits Managers – Lawrence Kizito and Ayub Balyejusa
The other players expected to join camp later
Goalkeepers
Robert Odongkara (Adama City, Ethiopia), Charles Lukwago (KCCA, Uganda).
Defenders
Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds, Sweden), Nico Wakiro Wadada (Azam FC, Tanzania).
Midfielders
Michael Azira (Montreal, Canada), Allan Kateregga (Maritzburg, South Africa).
Strikers
Emmanuel Arnold Okwi (Simba, Tanzania).
