When Uganda’s Head Coach Sheryl Botes unveiled the 20-player squad for the upcoming 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship in Tanzania, one name stood out on the list: Margaret Kunihira.
The fleet-footed winger, currently shining at Caessia Queens LFC in Tanzania, is the only foreign-based player named in a squad otherwise built on homegrown talent.
In many ways, Kunihira’s inclusion is symbolic. While the rest of her teammates ply their trade in Uganda’s domestic league, the 22-year-old winger has been honing her craft in a more competitive environment, facing some of the region’s finest players week in and week out.
Now, as the Crested Cranes gear up to defend their regional crown, much will rest on her shoulders, a blend of experience, adaptability and flair that could prove decisive in tight matches.
The 2025 edition of the CECAFA Women’s Championship will take place from June 12th to 21st at the Azam Complex in Chamazi, Tanzania.
Uganda enters the tournament as defending champions, ready to face stern tests from the host nation Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and Kenya in a round-robin format.
Kunihira, whose sharp dribbling and incisive runs have become a hallmark of her game in the Tanzanian league, will look to bring that edge to the Crested Cranes attack.
Her familiarity with the Tanzanian playing conditions could also provide an invaluable advantage as Uganda battles not just formidable opponents but also the challenge of playing away from home.
The squad, announced on Saturday morning, will convene for a pre-tournament training camp starting Sunday, June 8th at the FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi.
Training will begin in earnest on Monday, June 9th at Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, before the team departs for Tanzania on Tuesday, June 10th.
For Kunihira, the tournament represents another chance in her burgeoning career and an opportunity to lead by example like she did in the 2022 WAFCON
Announced Squad
Goalkeepers
Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Lillian Nakiirya (St. Noa Girls FC) and Nulu Nakyaze Babirye (Goldstar Ladies FC)
Defenders
Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC), Jamilah Nabulime (Kampala Queens FC), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Docas Lwalisa (Olila HS WFC), Zainah Nandede (Kampala Queens FC), Esther Namusoke (Kampala Queens FC)
Midfielders
Nankwanga Shakirah (Kampala Queens FC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Zaina Namuleme (Makerere University WFC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sumayah Nabuto (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Margret Kunihira (Caessia Queens LFC), Resty Kobusobozi (Lady Doves FC)
Forwards
Latifah Nakasi (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa Girls FC), Jovia Nakagolo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)
Uganda’s Fixtures
Thursday 12th June, 2025
-Uganda vs Burundi | 4 PM EAT
Saturday 14th June, 2025
-South Sudan vs Uganda | 7 PM EAT
Tuesday 17th June, 2025
-Kenya vs Uganda | 7 PM EAT
Thursday 19th June, 2025
-Uganda vs Tanzania | 7 PM EAT
