She Cranes take netball to schools in bid to inspire next generation

She Cranes assistant coach Ruth Meeme has pledged to bring netball closer to the people, particularly young children in schools, as a way of inspiring the next generation and sparking interest in the sport.

Meeme made the remarks after the She Cranes players featured in an exhibition match at the Gayaza Junior School sports day on Saturday, entertaining parents and pupils.

Meeme, who also serves as a sports ambassador and coach at the Future Stars Project, said Gayaza Junior School is among the institutions where the programme has made a strong impact.

The project focuses on reaching out to schools to provide coaching and introduce various sports disciplines.

"I am glad the She Cranes players have exhibited high-level netball to the pupils and parents at this girls' school. This helps the young players get role models to emulate and is one way of introducing the game to them at an early age," Meeme said.

"I also started playing netball at a young age in Primary Four at Makerere Primary School and eventually became a national and international player before turning into a coach. There is great improvement among the girls since the Future Stars Project took root at Gayaza girls' schools," she added.

The Archbishop of Namirembe Diocese, Rt. Rev. Moses Banja, alongside other church leaders and junior netballers, interacted with the She Cranes players during the event. Parents, including the Gayaza Junior School headteacher, also showcased their enthusiasm for sport when she briefly joined the She Cranes players on the court.

In one of the exhibition matches, Gayaza Junior School's Jungo Campus defeated the main campus 6–1.

Angola House emerged as the overall winner in the netball competitions for both the above and below Primary Five categories. Cranes goal attacker Linda Muzigo, coach Rashid Mubiru, and team manager Alice Alwenyi presented accolades to the winners.

School headteacher Sarah Kizito challenged parents who discourage their children from participating in sports.

Namirembe Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Moses Banja (centre, white robe) poses with Gayaza Junior School headteacher Sarah Tebugulwa Kizito (6th right), She Cranes players, church leaders, and junior netballers during the school's sports day on March 14, 2026. (Photo: Silvano Kibuuka)

"Some parents have complained on social media, discouraging children from engaging in sports and instead urging them to concentrate only on academics. I want to remind you that sport is part of the school calendar and offers immense opportunities for pupils who excel," Kizito said.

She also thanked the sports teachers and the Future Stars Project leaders for preparing the pupils and guiding them well during the competitions.

The sports day featured a variety of activities including ball games, athletics, mind games, home economics, woodball, tug of war, netball, and a 30-minute military-style parade march supervised by the Scouts Association.

Rev. Banja, members of the UPDF, Wakiso District Education Officer Prim Rita Nanyanzi, and District Sports Officer Brian Ssenyonga were among the officials who witnessed the colourful parade and awarded trophies to the winners.

Angola House emerged as the overall winner of the 2026 edition with 1,440.5 points, successfully defending the title they also won last year after finishing third in 2024.

Zambia House finished second with 1,348 points, followed by Algeria House with 1,321 points and Ghana House with 1,103 points.