She Cranes, Rock Flagged Off to Nairobi for Africa Netball Championship

By Kayiira Jackson 

Uganda’s national netball teams, the She Cranes and The Rock, have been flagged off to Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of the 2026 Africa Netball Championship scheduled for September 19–26.

The two teams were flagged off on Monday at Copper Chimney, Lugogo, in a ceremony presided over by National Council of Sports Assistant General Secretary (Administration) Joseph Oluga.

The ceremony was also graced by 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.

Oluga challenged both teams to return from Kenya with silverware, while assuring them that the necessary travel arrangements had been completed.

“We’re sending you to Kenya, but we want trophies,” Oluga said.

He added:

“The good thing is Kenya is our neighbour. We have done all the necessary clearance and you won’t find any travel challenges on the way.”

The She Cranes will compete in the women’s tournament, where Uganda has been placed in Pool Two alongside Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Tanzania. The teams will play a round-robin group stage before advancing to the crossover stages.

Uganda will enter the tournament as one of the continent’s leading sides, having already secured qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup alongside South Africa. The remaining African World Cup qualification places will be decided in Nairobi.

The Rock, meanwhile, will compete in the men’s championship, which features Uganda, Kenya, South Africa, Malawi and Eswatini in a round-robin format. Uganda will therefore face each of the other four teams as they battle for continental honours.

The Rock captain, Kigozi Gonzaga, said the men’s team is better prepared for its second appearance on the continental stage and is determined to improve on its previous performance.

“This is our second time going on the continent. We are well prepared and ready to give the best in our second attempt,” Kigozi said.

The Rock made its continental debut in 2025 and finished fifth, and the team will now be seeking a stronger showing in Nairobi.

Both Ugandan teams will travel to Nairobi by bus on Tuesday morning as they begin the final leg of preparations for the continental championship.

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 Netball Club
• Caleb Manirakiza — WOB Netball Club
• Elvis Wejuli — WOB Netball Club
• Richard Eppa — Kampala University
• Denis Mayanja — WOB Netball Club

Mid-Court

• Dissan Wasswa — WOB Netball Club
• Wycliffe Kisakye — Kampala University
• John Kizito — Kampala University

Shooters

• Joseph Kasule — WOB Netball Club
• Bosco Yiga — Kampala University
• Pius Ssekandi — WOB Netball Club
• 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 — 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.