Mubiru Sees No Serious Role for Kadondi, Nakitto as She Cranes Squad for Glasgow Is Announced

By Kayiira Jackson 

The final 12-player She Cranes squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland has been unveiled, with Netball Uganda confirming the players who will represent the country at the prestigious multi-sport event.

The squad was announced on Saturday during a press conference at the Netball Uganda offices in Lugogo by federation president Jocelyn Ucanda, bringing to an end a two-month selection process that started with more than 20 players.

Among the biggest casualties of the final cut are Christine Nakito, Hindu Namutebi and Stella Nanfuka, who were all part of the team’s training tour in South Africa but failed to make the final travelling squad.

The final team also features two surprise inclusions, with defender Nasim Mutesi returning to the national team after spending nearly two years out of competitive action, while NIC shooter Winnie Alice Isoto has also earned a place in the squad.

For Mutesi, Isoto, Joan Ryekoboth, Lillian Achola and Gloria Ayaa, the Glasgow Games will mark their first-ever Commonwealth Games appearance. Team captain Racheal Nanyonga returns after featuring at the 2018 Games but missing the 2022 edition in Birmingham.

The omissions cap a ruthless selection exercise. Earlier in the preparations, experienced players including Faridah Kadondi, Christine Namulumba Kango and Brenda Nakazibwe were among the notable names dropped before the team travelled to South Africa for high-performance training matches.

Ironically, Kadondi, Christine Nakito and Stella Nanfuka were among Uganda’s standout performers during the 2022 Commonwealth Games campaign but will not feature in Glasgow.

Speaking during the squad announcement, Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Ucanda expressed confidence in the selected team.

“We have been preparing for two months and we are ready for a big show. We went to South Africa for trial games and out of the 15 players, three have now been dropped,” said Ucanda.

“It’s an exciting moment. We started with over 20 players, trimmed the squad to 15 and now we have our final 12. The Government of Uganda has fully funded the team’s air tickets, accommodation, feeding and playing kit.”

The She Cranes have been drawn in a challenging Group B alongside New Zealand, Jamaica, Wales, hosts Scotland and Trinidad and Tobago.

Uganda will depart for Scotland on Tuesday, July 22, ahead of the official opening ceremony on Wednesday, July 23. The team will have a light training session on July 24 before beginning its campaign on July 25.

Racheal Nanyonga will captain the side, with experienced defender Shafie Nalwanjja serving as vice-captain.

She Cranes 2026 Commonwealth Games Squad

Shooters:

Mary Nuba

Shadia Nassanga

Racheal Nanyonga (Captain)

Winnie Alice Isoto

Midcourt:

Margret Bagaala

Joan Ryekoboth

Lillian Achola

Mercy Bamutariza

Defenders:

Shafie Nalwanjja (Vice-captain)

Gloria Ayaa

Hanisha Muhammad

Nasim Mutesi