After 45 year since 1978 in Algiers, Algeria, Uganda Women’s National Handball team the Nile Queens will make a return to the Africa Cup of Nations championship due this November in Kinsasha, Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Nile Queens embarked on an early preparation training program and entered a residential camp on 5th October 2024 in Bakuli, Mengo.
During a press briefing held at Old Kampala Arena, Uganda Handball president Sheila Richardson Agonzibwa expressed her optimism to perform ahead of the tournament.
“We are excited to return to the Africa Cup of Nations after 45 years.
We are prepared and set to fly the Uganda flag high. We have challenges almost in everything but our determination drives us towards an important cause.
We call upon all well wishers and corporate institutions to join us financially and materially”. President Sheila Richardson Agonzibwa.
24 players were summoned and are under the stewardship of Jimmy Remie Orotin.
The squad has five (5) goalkeepers who include Brenda Adokorach, Oliver Katusiime, Sunday Liberty, Beatrice Achayo and Bridget Akuno.
The court players in the squad are; Lillian Achola, Joyce Patience Namutosi, Stella Akongo, Diana Nakamya, Nasiimu Mutesi, Patience Damulira, Shakira Bako Agarile, Hadijja Nakirya, Evelyne Aitasi, Patricia Arago, Doreen Ondoa, Priscilla Aber, Hilda Mary Abangit, Barbra Nantume, Royce Namutosi, Diana Tiperu, Jesca Nakamaanya, Bella Adams Maishar and Everline Neumbe.
This team will be captained by Shakira Bako Agarile and assisted by Doreen Ondoa, and Brenda Adokorach.
The team will report to Kinsasha in DR. Congo on 25th and the championship will start on the 27th November to 7th December 2024.
The 26th Africa Cup of Nations edition will bring together 12 nations including Uganda, hosts DR. Congo, Angola, Tunisia, Guinea and Cameroon who constitute Group B.
The other six in Group A are Senegal, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, Algeria, Cape-Vade and Kenya.
The top four teams from each group will qualify for quarter-finals as the bottom two exit.
The tournament also doubles as the 2025 International Handball Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Germany and Netherlands will jointly host the 27th Women’s Handball World Cup. The tournament will run from 27th November to 14th featuring 32 countries from across five Confederations.
Over 400 Million shillings is need for the team’s preparations, participation fees, travel costs, accommodation, feeding and players’ allowances.
A contingent of 23 including 16 players and 7 officials will leave the country to Kinsasha for the Africa pinnacle event.
