Uganda’s top netball clubs delivered a commanding statement at the start of the 2026 East Africa Netball Club Championship, sweeping aside regional opposition with authority on Monday in Nairobi, Kenya.
Defending champions NIC set the benchmark with a composed 45-24 victory over Ulinzi Netball Club, underlining their intent to retain the crown.
After a balanced 10-10 opening quarter, NIC steadily imposed their rhythm, combining fluid transitions with clinical finishing to open a 25-15 halftime lead.
Their control only deepened in the second half, as they stretched the margin to 32-20 by the third quarter before sealing a comprehensive win.
Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), last year’s runners-up, followed with an emphatic 70-34 demolition of KVZ Netball Team in one of the day’s most dominant displays.
New signing Margret Bagaala marked her debut with a lively performance, adding flair to KCCA’s attacking efficiency.
Despite the convincing margin, head coach Fred Mugerwa remained measured in his assessment, insisting there is more to come from his side.
He acknowledged lapses in execution, noting that KCCA could have been even more clinical in front of goal.
“The start was encouraging. We made a few errors and should have scored more goals.” — Fred Mugerwa
With a competitive group that includes Uganda Police, Mugerwa emphasized the need for sharper performances in the matches ahead.
Uganda Prisons Queens also showcased resilience and tactical depth, overcoming Kenya’s IAA Netball Club 45-32 in a hard-fought encounter at Ulinzi Sports Complex. After edging the first quarter 9-6, Prisons were pegged back to trail 19-17 at halftime.
However, a series of decisive halftime adjustments and impactful substitutions transformed the contest.
The Ugandan side surged into a 30-22 lead by the end of the third quarter before closing out the game with authority.
Attention now turns to a highly anticipated all-Ugandan clash, as league champions KCCA face Uganda Police in what promises to be a defining Group encounter.
Meanwhile, NIC will resume their title defence on Wednesday, buoyed by a confident opening performance.
With all three representatives registering victories, Uganda has firmly positioned itself as the early pace-setter in the regional championship.
