She Cranes and The Rock off to Nairobi (Photo by Jackson Kayiira)
David GOMBE
Uganda’s national netball teams, the She Cranes and The Rock, have been flagged off to Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of this month’s Africa Netball Championship.
The 2026 Africa Netball showpiece is scheduled for September 19–26 in Kenya’s capital.
Assistant General Secretary administration Joseph Oluga flagged off the two teams on Monday at Copper Chimney, Lugogo.
Kampala University proprietor and Patron of The Rock, the men’s national netball team, Prof. Badru Ddungu Kateregga, Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Ucanda and members of the federation’s executive committee were also in attendance.
The teams will travel to Nairobi by bus on Tuesday morning as they aim for continental glory.
The She Cranes have won the championship three times, lifting the trophy in Botswana in 2014, Uganda in 2017 and Zambia in 2018. They will now be seeking a fourth title as they aim to strengthen their position among Africa’s leading netball nations.
She Cranes – Pool Two
Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania
The Rock – Men’s Competition
Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi, Eswatini
Uganda’s 14-Player Rock Squad
Defenders:
George Waiswa (Kampala University), Kigozi Gonzaga (WOB), Caleb Manirakiza (WOB), Elvis Wejuli (WOB), Richard Eppa (Kampala University), Denis Mayanja (WOB)
Mid-Court:
Dissan Wasswa (WOB), Wycliffe Kisakye (Kampala University), John Kizito (Kampala University)
Shooters:
Joseph Kasule (WOB), Bosco Yiga (Kampala University), Pius Ssekandi (WOB), Hilbert Oywak (Legacy), Junior Egide (Kampala University)
Rock Officials:
Head Coach – Jesse Asiimwe, Assistant Coach – Florence Abalo, Statistician – Imelda Nyongesa, Team Manager – Dr Sarah Nkonge
Full She Cranes Squad
Defenders:
Eve Aitesi (Prisons), Gloria Aya (NIC), Nsiimu Mutesi (NIC), Sheilah Nayibanda (Weyonje), Shaffie Nalwanja (KCCA), Wesonga (UCU)
Mid-Court:
Margret Baagala (KCCA), Nashim Khadaala (Prisons), Annet Namuddu (Victoria University)
Shooters:
Joan Nantumbwe (Police), Racheal Nanyonga (NIC), Shadia Nassanga Ssegujja (KCCA), Christine Kango Namulumba (Prisons), Alice Winnie Isoto (NIC)