Uganda’s men’s national netball team, The Rock, have stepped up preparations for their second appearance at the Africa Men’s Netball Cup, with head coach Jesse Asiimwe summoning a 16-player provisional squad for the continental showpiece.
The tournament is scheduled for September 19–26, 2026, in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside the 2027 Sydney World Cup Qualifiers, which also incorporate the Women’s Africa Netball Cup.
The Rock are currently training at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, as they seek to build on their encouraging debut at the 2025 edition in Lilongwe, Malawi, where Uganda finished fifth.
Ten members of the current squad were part of Uganda’s maiden continental campaign three years ago, providing the side with a valuable blend of experience ahead of the Nairobi assignment.
However, the squad has undergone notable changes, with Andrew Wasswa of WOB Netball Club, and Kampala University duo Mustafa Kato and Mishal Ssebuliba among those left out of the current selection.
Richard Eppa has retained the captaincy and will be assisted by Dissan Wasswa, as Asiimwe begins the process of trimming the provisional squad to the final 12 players who will represent Uganda in Nairobi.
The tournament is expected to feature 10 national teams, underlining the growing footprint of men’s netball on the African continent.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Malawi and Eswatini are among the teams expected to compete for continental honours.
Uganda will be seeking a stronger showing after finishing fifth on debut in 2025.
South Africa claimed the inaugural title in Gaborone after defeating Zimbabwe 45–40, with Kenya finishing third, Botswana fourth, Uganda fifth and Zambia sixth.
South Africa subsequently retained the crown in 2025, overcoming Zimbabwe 40–29 in the final, while Eswatini completed the podium in third place.
With a sizeable core of the 2025 squad retained and several new faces brought into the fold, The Rock will hope their extended preparations can translate into a significant improvement on their maiden continental outing.
Uganda’s 16-player provisional squad
Defenders
George Waiswa — Kampala University
Kigozi Gonzaga — WOB Netball Club
Caleb Manirakiza — WOB Netball Club
Elvis Wejuli — WOB Netball Club
Richard Eppa — Kampala University
Denis Mayanja — WOB Netball Club
Denis Mukisa — WOB Netball Club
Mid-court
Dissan Wasswa — WOB Netball Club
Wycliffe Kisakye — Kampala University
John Kizito — Kampala University
Dauda Walugembe — WOB Netball Club
Shooters
Joseph Kasule — WOB Netball Club
Bosco Yiga — Kampala University
Pius Ssekandi — WOB Netball Club
Hilbert Oywak — Legacy
Junior Egide — Kampala University
Officials
Head Coach — Jesse Asiimwe
Assistant Coach — Florence Abalo
Statistician — Imelda Nyongesa
Team Manager — Dr Sarah Nkonge
