The countdown begins to the 2025 Women’s Rugby Africa Cup, Uganda’s Lady Rugby Cranes have officially unveiled their 28-player squad set to compete in Antananarivo, Madagascar and it’s a blend of seasoned leadership and exciting new talent.
In a bold move signalling a new generation of rugby stars, head coach Charles Onen has named four uncapped players, Jeniffer Musanabera, Hellen Acanit, Latifa Tiko and Mercy Atek who are set to make their full senior national team debuts at the continental tournament.
Their inclusion marks a significant moment in their careers and injects fresh energy into a team aiming to punch above its weight in Madagascar.
The squad will be captained by experienced forward Angella Nanyonjo and is scheduled to depart Kampala on Wednesday ahead of the competition, which runs from June 7–15 at Stade Makis Andohatapenaka.
However, the final list does come with notable omissions. Most significantly, national 7s captain Peace Lekuru has been sidelined due to an ankle injury.
She is one of five players from the previous Division One tournament who will miss this campaign, alongside Fazira Namukwaya, Beth Asaba, Leona Acen and Grace Auma, all ruled out due to injuries.
Uganda will face South Africa, Madagascar, and Kenya in their pool games. Though they enter as the lowest-ranked team, the Cranes are under no threat of relegation this year, offering the new faces and the returning core a valuable opportunity to develop against top-tier continental opposition.
28 Woman Travelling Squad
Angella Nanyonjo (Captain), Doreen Mbabazi, Christine Kokoi, Jeniffer Musanabera, Phoebe Nakalembe, Doreen Sijali, Yvonne Najjuma, Phiona Nantongo, Hellen Acanit, Proscovia Mukyala, Peace Nemira, Cabrine Kirabo, Suzan Adong, Lydia Namabiro, Tina Akello, Sarah Nakafeero, Bushira Namutebi, Grace Nabaggala, Latifa Tiko, Mercy Atek, Comfort Anganyika, Agnes Nakuya, Racheal Mufuwa, Christine Akello, Samiya Ayikoru, Juliet Nandawula, Janat Nandudu and Mastula Nambozo
