By Andrew Jackson Oryada BBC Sport, Kampala

Joel Kitamirike will not be playing for Uganda this weekend

Chelsea youngster Joel Kitamirike will miss Uganda's 2006 World Cup qualifier against the DR Congo on Saturday.

The defender has so far refused to give up his British citizenship in order to get a Ugandan passport.

Sports Minister Henry Oryem Okello told BBC Sport that he had met with the player to discuss the issue.

Kitamirike said that he is keen to play for the Cranes but he does not want to lose his British citizenship.

Under Ugandan immigration law it is not permitted to hold dual nationality.

"I was given certain papers to fill, but I first had to fax them to my lawyer in England," he explained.

"However, even before sending them, I just thought it was wise to remain with my British citizenship."

The player was invited by the Ugandan Football Association to train with the team while his paper work was sorted out.

Coach Mike Mutebi says that he will be missed on Saturday.

"We shall miss his presence in this game, he's a very intelligent player," said coach Mike Mutebi.

The Cranes do have several overseas-based players in their squad including Suleiman Tenywa who plays in the US as well as Philip Ssozi and Nestroy Kizito who both ply their trade in Serbia.