Uganda’s Parliament Netball Team has intensified its rebuilding process ahead of the 2026 East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games, with coach Fred Tabale Mugerwa prioritising cohesion and technical development following a major squad turnover.
The parliamentary side is targeting a fourth consecutive regional title, but its preparations have exposed the challenges of integrating new players into a team accustomed to success.
A 69-34 defeat to KCCA Netball Club in a build-up match offered the technical bench an opportunity to assess the squad’s weaknesses and identify areas requiring improvement before the December 4-16 competition in Arusha, Tanzania.
Despite the setback, captain Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe remains optimistic that Uganda has sufficient quality to sustain its dominance.
“We lost some good team players, but even those who joined us have a very good team in them,” Nakazibwe said.
She acknowledged that parliamentary responsibilities sometimes limit the players’ time on court but insisted that their commitment during training sessions would be instrumental in their title defence.
“I want to assure you that the team we have here is totally equal to, or even better than, the one we had last year,” she added.
Mugerwa, however, recognises that building an effective unit from a largely new squad requires time.
The team has completed a month of training, concentrating on fundamental skills, footwork, shooting, coordination and physical conditioning.
“So far, we have trained for a month, but the problem is that the majority of these members are new. We are trying to build a new team that will compete in this year’s competition, although it is not easy,” he said.
“We are working hard on skills, footwork and shooting, while their fitness is improving every day.”
Beyond netball, Uganda’s wider parliamentary contingent is also preparing for the regional showpiece, which will feature eight sporting disciplines.
Manager of Parliament Sports Teams Hon. Sarah Babirye Kityo expressed confidence in the teams’ progress, citing encouraging performances in preparatory fixtures across the different sports.
“Team Uganda is doing well. All the teams are ready and in high spirits, and the results from the friendlies we have had across all disciplines show our improvement. As a manager, I am convinced,” Babirye said.
She also credited the Speaker of Parliament for promoting transparency in team selection, saying the competitive process would help strengthen Uganda’s representation.
The December Games in Arusha will provide Uganda’s parliamentary athletes with an opportunity to defend their regional standing, with the netball team seeking to extend its winning streak to four successive editions.
For Nakazibwe and her teammates, the immediate task is to turn individual potential into collective strength before the title defence begins.
