Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, have turned their attention to the continental stage, beginning preparations for the 2026 Africa Netball Championship and Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 qualifiers.
The championship is scheduled for 19–26 September in Nairobi, Kenya, with the Kasarani Indoor Arena set to host the continent’s leading national teams.
The She Cranes reported for their first training session on Tuesday following their mixed campaign at the recently concluded 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Head coach Rashid Mubiru has made several changes to the squad that represented Uganda in Glasgow, with five players omitted as the technical team looks to build a competitive side for the continental assignment.
Those dropped from the Commonwealth Games squad are Joan Ryecoboth, Mary Nuba Cholhok, Mercy Bamutariza, Hanisha Muhammad and Lillian Achola.
The changes have opened the door for several fresh faces, including Prisons defender Eve Aitesi, Police goal shooter Joan Nantumbwe, Victoria University mid-court player Annet Namuddu, UCU defender Wesonga, Prisons mid-court dynamo Nashim Khadaala and Weyonje defender Sheilah.
There is also a return for experienced Prisons goal shooter Christine Kango Namulumba, who missed the Commonwealth Games but has been recalled for the African assignment.
Of the 14 players summoned for the opening session, 12 reported for training, with Shafie Nalwanja and Wesonga absent on the first day.
Uganda will face strong opposition in Nairobi as the continental championship doubles as Africa’s qualification route to the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.
The women’s tournament will bring together the continent’s leading sides in a fiercely contested battle for qualification, while the men’s competition will feature seven national teams competing for continental honours and further development of men’s netball in Africa.
Uganda will be among 10 nations expected in Nairobi, alongside hosts Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique and Eswatini.
With the Commonwealth Games now behind them, the She Cranes have little time to dwell on their Glasgow results.
Their immediate task is to sharpen their combinations, integrate the new faces and mount a strong challenge for continental glory and a place at the 2027 World Cup.
Full Summoned She Cranes Squad
Defenders
Eve Aitesi — Prisons
Gloria Aya — NIC
Nsiimu Mutesi — NIC
Sheilah — Weyonje
Shafie Nalwanja — KCCA
Wesonga — UCU
Mid-Court
7. Margret Baagala — KCCA
8. Nashim Khadaala — Prisons
9. Annet Namuddu — Victoria University
Shooters
10. Joan Nantumbwe — Police
11. Racheal Nanyonga — NIC
12. Shadia Nassanga Ssegujja — KCCA
13. Christine Kango Namulumba — Prisons
14. Alice Winnie Isoto — NIC
