Netball Uganda's first year: Success on court, challenges off it

Ranked sixth in the world and second in Africa, netball remains one of Uganda’s most successful sports disciplines.

The national team, the Uganda She Cranes, has consistently put the country on the global map, earning admiration from fans and administrators alike.

Under the leadership of Netball Uganda president Jocelyn Ucanda, the current executive has registered notable achievements in just one year in office. Among the highlights are Uganda’s improvement in the global rankings from seventh to sixth, finishing second at the Africa Cup last year, winning the Celtic Cup, and reviving the national netball league.

However, despite these milestones, several stakeholders within the sport believe there are pressing challenges that must be addressed if netball is to maintain its growth and success.

Concerns over delayed league awards

One of the issues raised relates to the awarding of the 2025 netball league champions. Earlier plans indicated that the champions would receive their awards on March 28 during the federation’s Annual General Assembly. However, the ceremony was later postponed in favor of hosting a formal awards dinner.

Fred Mugerwa, head coach of KCCA Netball Club, expressed frustration over the delay, questioning the need for an expensive dinner when the winners are not given prize money.

“Awarding on the spot is cheap and classic. Players get the moment to celebrate their victory immediately. When you delay the awards, it loses value and becomes costly,” Mugerwa said.

“If it continues like this, they might as well send our trophy to our training ground at Nakivubo Blue. We will not complain.”

Calls to learn from past leadership

Some delegates have also urged the current administration to emulate the achievements of former Netball Uganda president Sarah Babirye Kityo.

One delegate, who preferred to be identified only as Carlton, argued that the previous leadership had made significant progress within its first year.

“By her first year in office, Babirye had already set up a functioning secretariat with proper offices, organized a vibrant league and secured sponsors. From the look of things, the executive has little for the sport. They should get a secretariat,” he said.

He noted that the She Cranes brand had grown tremendously during that period, attracting attention from various sectors of society and potential sponsors eager to associate with the team.

Financial challenges and lack of secretariat

Responding to the concerns, Netball Uganda vice president in charge of technical matters Richard Muhumuza acknowledged the federation’s financial limitations. He explained that although the leadership recognizes the importance of establishing a fully functional secretariat, the federation currently lacks the resources to operate one effectively.

“We do not want to start something that will fail. A secretariat is constitutional and necessary, but we need funds first before we can set it up properly,” Muhumuza explained.

During the federation’s Annual General Assembly held at Copper Chimney in Lugogo, officials revealed that the federation is currently operating without significant financial support. The executive is still waiting for official certification from the National Council of Sports, a requirement that will allow them to access government funding and attract corporate sponsorship.

“It is difficult to approach sponsors without the certificate. Many organizations ask for it before committing support,” Muhumuza added.

Despite the challenges, preparations for the new season are underway. According to the Netball Uganda calendar, the national netball league is scheduled to throw off on April 11, 2026.