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She Cranes during training session at MTN Arena Lugogo on Wednesday
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Kampala
The national women’s netball team, the She Cranes, has continued preparations ahead of the Celtic Netball Cup scheduled for next month in Glasgow, Scotland, despite ongoing financial challenges facing the Uganda Netball Federation. The team of 24 players, comprising both young and veteran athletes, began non-residential training last week and is currently conducting sessions at the Lugogo Indoor Arena and Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
She Cranes during training session at MTN Arena Lugogo on Wednesday
According to Netball Uganda Vice President (Technical), Richard Muhumuza, who is overseeing the training sessions, the suspension of government funding to the federation has significantly affected the smooth running of activities, including national team preparations.
“We are not doing well financially after the government withdrew our license during the previous administration’s problems,” Muhumuza said. “When we came in, we worked on all the required processes as guided to return to normal operations. We are still waiting for the government’s response, but we urgently need support from well-wishers.”
Muhumuza, who thanked the government for allowing them to continue organizing national netball activities, appealed for expedited reinstatement of the federation’s license and for financial support from stakeholders. “We appreciate the government for permitting us to run netball activities and engage the national teams, which shows confidence in our leadership,” he added. “However, we now need financial assistance because we are borrowing from executive members. We cannot afford residential training since the funds available are too limited.”
The 24-player squad, under head coach Rashid Mubiru, includes seasoned stars such as former captain and Prisons Netball Club player Lillian Ajio, and her teammate Stella Nanfuka.
Other players in camp include Faridah Kadondi (formerly of Nottingham Forest, England), the KCCA duo of Norah Lunkuse and Shaffie Nalwanja, Shakila Nassaka of NIC, and Asiinah Babendera of Weyonje.
The She Cranes will participate in the Celtic Cup with hopes of reclaiming their world ranking position of number 6, currently held by Wales, and to strengthen their chances for Netball World Cup qualification.
Following their trip to Scotland in November, the team will immediately travel to Malawi for the Africa Netball Cup, set for the first week of December, before heading to South Africa for the Netball Diamond Challenge in January 2026.
Torch Media Africa
