Uganda Prisons Service Netball Club, the Prisons Queens, began their 2026 East African Netball Club Championship campaign with an impressive 45-32 victory over Kenya’s IAA Netball Club at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
The Ugandan side started strongly and took the opening quarter 9-6 with confident attacking play and solid defence.
IAA responded well in the second quarter and turned the game around to lead 19-17 at halftime, forcing the Prisons Queens to rethink their approach.
Head Coach Nouridine Kato Hassan made key changes after the break, bringing on Nakabuye Haddijja for Aisha Nakuya at Goal Attack and moving Reykoboth Joan to Wing Attack in place of Nakibule Joyce. Nashim was introduced at Centre while Christine Namulumba replaced Divota Asio Mary.
The changes transformed the game, Prisons Queens returned with greater energy and control, dominating the third quarter to overturn the deficit and open a 30-22 lead heading into the final period.
More substitutions followed in the last quarter as Damulira Patience replaced Abalo Carol at Wing Defence and Tausi Mumena came on for Stella Nanfuka at Goal Keeper.
The Ugandan champions stayed composed and controlled the closing stages to seal a comfortable 45-32 victory and move top of their group after the opening round of matches.
The starting seven for Prisons Queens included Divota Asio Mary (GS), Aisha Nakuya (GA), Nakibule Joyce (WA), Reykoboth Joan (C), Abalo Carol (WD), Aytesi Eva (GD) and Stella Nanfuka (GK).
The team is coached by Nouridine Kato Hassan with veteran player Ruth Meeme serving as assistant coach.
