Uganda’s national netball team has turned the page on months of tension with administrators, gathering Friday for a reconciliation luncheon at Luwombo Restaurant, Lugogo, as they prepare for two major tournaments the Celtic Cup in Scotland this November and the Africa Netball Championship in Malawi in December.
The informal meeting brought together key Netball Uganda officials Honorary General Secretary Aminah Mande, Vice President Technical Richard Muhumuza, Kampala Region representative Yahaya Ssengabi, and technical official Imelda Nyongesa alongside senior players including Shadia Nassanga, Christine Nakitto, and Margret Baagala.
The mood was open and optimistic as players aired past grievances and officials pledged to settle unpaid allowances once government funds arrive.
“We invited the girls for lunch as part of preparations for the upcoming competitions,” said Muhumuza.
“The Celtic Cup in November and the Africa Cup of Nations in December are key tournaments for Uganda. We wanted to hear their views, confirm availability, and reaffirm our commitment to their welfare.”
The provisional squad has been drafted, with medical assessments scheduled next week before non-residential training begins. The final team will be named after the medicals.
Uganda will face Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in the third edition of the Celtic Cup, set for November 26–30 at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena.
A month later, the She Cranes head to Malawi for the Africa Netball Championship, another chance to cement their rising international status.
Despite past frustrations, the players voiced readiness to compete. Among those present were Josephine Bakhata, Stella Nanfuka, Shaffie Nalwanja, and Lindah Muzigo who also serves as a players’ representative along with emerging talent Kadondi Faridah, underscoring the squad’s depth and determination.
