Storm Over She Cranes Camp as Nuba Risks Missing Africa Championship

By Kayiira Jackson 

Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, may be without their star Goal Shooter Mary Cholhok Nuba at the 2025 Africa Netball Championship scheduled for 8–14 December in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Fresh from clinching their historic maiden international trophy at the Celtic Cup in Scotland, where Nuba finished as Uganda’s top scorer, the team now faces a major setback as the prolific shooter is reportedly tied up with commitments abroad.

Speaking during the She Cranes celebratory dinner at Hotel La Grand in Bwaise, leader of delegation and Federation Vice President (Technical), Richard Muhumuza, revealed the uncertainty surrounding Nuba’s participation.

“Mary Nuba is still doubtful. She has other things to attend to. The president remained behind trying to talk to her, but personally she told me she is a bit engaged, so we may not have her in Malawi,” Muhumuza disclosed.

Nuba currently plies her trade with Queensland Firebirds in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball League, although she has been recently handling engagements in England—complicating her availability for national duty.

Despite the possible absence of their most lethal finisher, morale within the She Cranes remains strong. Federation Vice President William Bwambale emphasized that Uganda’s international breakthrough in Scotland marks the beginning of a new chapter.

“You are aware we had problems before, but the government decided to rebuild. This is our first great achievement as Netball Uganda. We came with a style—ready and capable of winning trophies,” Bwambale stated confidently.

Head Coach Rashid Mubiru expressed satisfaction with the team’s readiness, highlighting that the Celtic Cup provided invaluable exposure ahead of the continental showdown.

“The team is now fine. We played against five nations, so our girls are ready for Malawi. Scotland was too cold, but Malawi is warm—we’ll have a day of rest, train on Wednesday and Thursday, then travel on Friday,” Mubiru said.

Nuba’s dominant scoring at the Celtic Cup—where she produced some of the tournament’s biggest individual tallies—was central to Uganda’s success. Her potential absence will force the She Cranes to rely heavily on rising shooters to maintain their offensive edge.

Still, team officials insist Uganda’s resolve remains unshaken.

Uganda has been placed in Pool A, facing familiar regional rivals:

Pool A

• Uganda
• Kenya
• Zimbabwe
• Namibia

Pool B

• Malawi (Hosts)
• South Africa
• Botswana
• Tanzania

The men’s championship will also run concurrently, with Uganda drawn in Pool A alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.