.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup

Saturday May 23

South Africa v Madagascar 2pm

Kenya v Uganda,4pm

Wednesday May 27

South Africa v Uganda 2pm

Kenya v Uganda ,4pm

Sunday May 31

Uganda v Madagascar,2pm

South Africa v Kenya,4pm

The National Council of Sports Assistant General Secretary Joseph Oluga has urged the women's rugby national team, the Lady Rugby Cranes, to go for results in the Africa Cup tournament that starts on May 23, 2026, in Nairobi.

Oluga made the appeal at the team's flag-off ceremony at Lugogo.

The Nile Special-sponsored team leaves on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, for Nairobi and will open their campaign against hosts Kenya on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in the afternoon at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa (RFUEA).

Oluga said the government is positive about funding rugby because it is regarded as a Tier One sport, and what they demand from the team is results to fly the Ugandan flag high.

"Government has funded you fully, but you must give value for the investment by delivering results," Oluga said, before wishing the women the best during the competition.

Before the Uganda game, South Africa will take on Madagascar. The continental tournament will see the top three countries qualify for the World Cup qualifiers next year.

Uganda will then face South Africa and conclude their campaign against Madagascar on Sunday, May 31, at the same venue.

The winner of the one-week tournament will qualify for the Women's International Tournament (WVX) Tier 2 in Europe, an elite performance rugby competition created by World Rugby to raise the standards of women's rugby.

According to strength and conditioning coach Kigongo Ssebalamu, the team is ready for the challenge, and he is confident they will bring results.

"Our target is to qualify for the Women's International Tournament (WVX), and to achieve that we have to win this tournament," Kigongo told Vision Sport.

He added, however, that a second-place finish would also be good, as it would allow them to play in WVX Tier 3, where they would aim to qualify for Tier 2 the following season.

The team traveling for the tournament includes: Janipher Nakale, Evelyn Asaba, Phoebe Nakalembe, Christine Kokoi, Doreen Mbabazi, Doreen Sijali, Yvonne Najuma, Phiona Natongo, Fazira Namukwaya, Leona Acen, Proscovia Mukyala, and Helen Acanit.

The others are: Peace Nemira, Cabrine Kirabo, Angella Nanyonjo (captain), Goretti Babirye, Josephin Babirye, Juliet Nandawula, Bushira Namutebi, Justine Anguchia, Peace Lekuru (assistant captain), Grace Nabaggala, Unity Namulala, Getrude Kateesa, Rachael Mufuwa, and Mastula Nambozo.