KAMPALA — Uganda’s national women’s netball team, the She Cranes, has returned home to a heroes’ welcome after lifting the 2026 Africa Netball Cup in Nairobi, Kenya.
The continental champions were received at the National Council of Sports (NCS) offices, where Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Ucanda welcomed the team on behalf of the sports leadership and celebrated the players, technical staff and officials for restoring Uganda’s place at the top of African netball.
The reception came barely a day after the She Cranes produced a remarkable performance at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, defeating defending champions South Africa’s SPAR Proteas 56–53 in a tense final on Saturday.
The victory ended Uganda’s eight-year wait for the continental crown, having last won the championship in 2018. It also marked the team’s fourth Africa Netball Cup title, following previous triumphs in 2014, 2017 and 2018.
Unbeaten road to the crown
Uganda arrived in Nairobi determined to reclaim the trophy after losing to South Africa in the 2025 final.
The She Cranes began their campaign strongly, defeating Nigeria and Zambia before overcoming hosts Kenya and Malawi to complete an unbeaten group-stage run. They then defeated Namibia 52–41 in the semi-final to book their place in the championship decider.
The final against South Africa was a closely fought contest.
Uganda took a 15–13 lead after the first quarter and went into the halftime break leading 31–27. The She Cranes increased the pressure in the third quarter and established an eight-goal advantage before South Africa mounted a late fightback.
Despite the Proteas reducing the deficit to three goals in the closing stages, Uganda held their nerve to win 56–53 and reclaim the African crown.
The championship also strengthened Uganda’s place on the world stage, with the She Cranes set to compete at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia. Uganda and South Africa had already secured their World Cup places through their world rankings, while Malawi and Namibia earned the other African slots through the Nairobi tournament.
Ucanda hails players
Speaking during the reception, Ucanda praised the team for turning their preparations and determination into a continental title.
The Netball Uganda president said the victory was the result of collective effort involving the players, coaches, federation officials and the institutions that supported the national team.
Ucanda had earlier identified winning the tournament and maintaining Uganda’s position among Africa’s leading netball nations as key objectives going into the championship.
She also congratulated the players for remaining focused throughout the demanding competition and for responding strongly after Uganda’s disappointment against South Africa in the previous final.
Coach praises discipline and teamwork
Head coach Rashid Mubiru also praised the players for their discipline, tactical execution and ability to remain composed when South Africa mounted pressure in the final quarter.
The coach’s message centred on teamwork and maintaining concentration, particularly during the decisive moments of the final when the defending champions threatened to overturn Uganda’s advantage.
The technical team had prepared the She Cranes for a difficult tournament involving some of Africa’s strongest netball nations, and the players delivered an unbeaten run all the way to the trophy.
Players celebrate historic achievement
For the players, the reception provided an opportunity to reflect on a campaign that required determination from the opening match to the final whistle.
Veteran goal attacker Racheal Nanyonga, who was part of Uganda’s 2015 World Cup squad, described the prospect of returning to Sydney for another World Cup as an exciting moment. If selected for the 2027 squad, it would be her third World Cup appearance after also featuring in 2019.
Other members of the squad credited teamwork and the support they received from Ugandans throughout the championship, saying the African title was not only a reward for the players but also a moment of pride for the country.
The Rock also returns with bronze
Uganda’s success in Nairobi was not limited to the women’s team.
The men’s national side, The Rock, secured a historic bronze medal after defeating hosts Kenya 46–35 in the third-place play-off.
Uganda dominated the first half, leading 12–10 after the opening quarter before taking a 27–15 advantage into halftime. Kenya attempted a comeback after the break, but The Rock remained composed to secure the victory.
The bronze represents Uganda’s best performance in the men’s continental championship, improving on the team’s fifth-place finish at last year’s tournament in Malawi. Head coach Jesse Asiimwe attributed the achievement to teamwork and hard work.
A new chapter for Ugandan netball
The Nairobi triumph gives Ugandan netball renewed momentum as the She Cranes prepare for the 2027 World Cup.
After years of challenging South Africa for continental supremacy, Uganda finally reclaimed the crown in a final that demanded composure, tactical discipline and resilience.
For the She Cranes, the message from Nairobi is clear: Uganda is once again the champion of African netball — and the next challenge is Sydney.
