The final 12-player squad of the She Cranes for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, has been officially unveiled this afternoon.
During a press conference held at the Netball Uganda offices in Lugogo, federation president Jocelyn Ucanda presented the team that will represent Uganda on the global stage.
Defenders Christine Nakito, Hindu Namutebi and Stella Nanfuka — all part of the recent South Africa training camp — were the final omissions as the technical bench trimmed the travelling party to the required number.
In a notable twist, Nasim Mutesi, who has been out of action for two years, earns a remarkable recall, while NIC shooter Winnie Isoto also secures a place in the squad.
The selection process has been rigorous. At the start of the residential camp two months ago, more than 20 players were summoned.
The group was later reduced to 15 for the South Africa tour, a phase that saw high-profile exclusions including Uganda’s standout defender Faridah Kadondi, shooter Christine Namulumba Kango and Brenda Nakazibwe, among others.
Uganda has been drawn in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Jamaica, Wales, Scotland and Trinidad and Tobago — a challenging group that promises high-intensity contests.
The team is scheduled to depart on Tuesday, July 22, ahead of the official opening ceremony on Wednesday, July 23 in Glasgow.
A light training session is planned for July 24, with competition action set to throw off on July 25.
Racheal Nanyonga will captain the side, with Shafie Nalwanjja deputising.
“We have been preparing for two months and we are ready for a big show,” Ucanda stated.
“We have been to South Africa for trial games and out of the 15, three have been dropped.
“It’s an exciting moment. We started with 20 players, trimmed to 15 and now the final 12.
The Government of Uganda has fully funded the team’s tickets, accommodation, feeding and dressing. The team departs on Tuesday ahead of the opening ceremony in Glasgow.”
Final Squad
Shooters:
Mary Nuba, Shadia Nassanga, Racheal Nanyonga, Winnie Isoto,
Mid Court
Margaret Bagaala, Joan Ryekoboth, Lillian Achola, Mercy Bamutariza
Defenders:
Shafie Nalwanjja, Gloria Aya, Hanisha Muhammad, Nasim Mutesi
