Ruth Meeme, a former She Cranes and Prisons Netball Club player has demonstrated that success extends beyond the court. Transitioning from player to coach, Meeme embodies the ideal trajectory for an athlete's life.

Her appointment as Prisons' interim head coach comes as no surprise, given her on-court leadership and unwavering spirit. Meeme views this opportunity as a blessing, aligning with her lifelong passion for coaching.

Joining Prisons in 2019 from NIC, Meeme's career was briefly interrupted by a knee injury in 2022. Yet, her foresight into coaching, evidenced by her attainment of a level one netball-coaching certificate while at NIC in 2018, now manifests as reality.

Meeme giving out instructions to her players during a game at Luzira

Meeme harbours aspirations of coaching the national team, aiming to bring gender diversity to the coaching staff.

"My ultimate aspiration is to coach the national team. Throughout my playing career, men have predominantly coached me. Thus, this opportunity to serve at one of the nation's premier clubs fuels my ambition to reach the national level," highlighted Meeme.

Having previously played alongside many of her teammates, it is evident that most of them are her peers and friends. The challenge lies in maintaining a balance between her duties as a coach and her relationships.

"As a service-oriented team, discipline is of utmost importance. I must ensure fair treatment for all players without any favoritism. While transitioning into this role hasn't been without its challenges, I'm encouraged by the respectful and compliant attitude displayed by the players," emphasized Meeme.

The atmosphere at Luzira during training reflects players' gratitude towards Meeme. Goal defender Viola Asingo praises Meeme's confidence-building coaching style, while goal shooter Christine Namulumba appreciates her blend of player and coaching expertise.

Ruth Meeme right and her former coach Imeldah Nyongesa

Meeme's immediate challenge is the upcoming East Africa Netball Club Championships in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Reflecting on Prisons' second-place finish behind NIC in 2023, she acknowledges the magnitude of her current task. However, she expresses unwavering determination: "My initial task is formidable, but I am not daunted. It presents a challenge that I am prepared to confront head-on. With motivated and healthy players, along with the strategies we've honed in training, I am confident that victory will be ours," emphasized Meeme.

Former coaches Nelson Bogere and Imelda Nyongesa offer advice on maintaining discipline and seeking guidance. Nyongesa, now a technical director, celebrates Meeme's ascension to coaching heights.

“Responsibility comes with service; she needs to remain calm and seek advice from seasoned coaches. Given that most of the players are her peers, she must tread carefully as they may pose challenges in discipline. However, knowing her disciplined nature, I am confident she will achieve great success in life,” emphasized Bogere.

Throughout her playing career, Meeme proudly represented her country at prestigious events such as the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England, and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia. She was also a key member of the team that competed in the 2018 Africa Netball Championships in Zambia, as well as the 2021 Africa Netball Championships. Additionally, she participated in the Pent Series held in Windhoek, Namibia.

With her wealth of experience, Meeme serves not only as an inspiration to young players but also as a beacon of motivation, showing them that they too can aspire to reach greater heights in the sport.

The official appointment of Meeme as Prisons' full head coach will hinge on her coaching prowess and ability to lead the team to success.