Uganda’s senior national netball team, the She Cranes, was officially flagged off to Lilongwe, Malawi on Friday at Cooper Chimney in Lugogo, amidst a players’ protest over allowances.
The team is set to travel to Lilongwe for upcoming Africa Netball championship, but the team’s participation almost hanged in the balance as players continued to push for their rights to be fairly paid.
There was crisis meeting, chaired by Vice President Administration William Bwambale, Richard Muhumuza (Vice President Technical), and General Secretary Aminah Mande.
It ended with players being asked to either travel with the available allowances of 1M or withdraw from the squad.
However, following the players’ resolute stance and subsequent departure from the Lugogo office, negotiations were promptly resumed, culminating in a mutually acceptable agreement that yielded an improved remuneration package.
The final travelling squad has been announced, with notable changes including the absence of star shooter Mary Nuba, who will miss the tournament due to personal reasons.
Her place has been taken by NIC’s goal shooter Sera Zam, who appeares into the team for her first major assignment.
Team captain Racheal Nanyonga has returned to the side, having missed the recent trip to Scotland due to visa complications.
Norah Lunkuse has also been recalled to the squad, replacing Malisera.
The team will depart in two batches, with the first group of ten players flying out at 2:00 am on Saturday, while the remaining players and officials are scheduled to travel later the same night.
The She Cranes will face competition in Group A, alongside Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
