UCU takes pride in qualifying for East Africa Netball Championships

UCU Netball Club finished fourth on the table with 37 points in the Uganda Netball Super League, earning direct qualification for the East Africa Netball Club Championships.

With a place secured at the regional tournament, head coach Nelson Bogere says the club is now waiting for confirmation of facilitation from the university.

“We are still waiting for the official invitation letter, which we shall present to the university, but we are hopeful that we will be facilitated,” Bogere explained.

Bogere praised his players for their achievement, noting the unique challenge of managing a university-based team.

“For a university team that prioritizes education, performing at that level is a great achievement,” he said.

“At UCU, a player is only eligible as long as she is a student. Once she finishes school, she is no longer part of the team. This means we are always rebuilding, and developing a new team takes time.”

Despite the strong finish, Bogere highlighted several areas that need improvement ahead of the new season, which is scheduled to throw off in April.

“The timing of matches needs reconsideration, especially for university and school-owned clubs. It is not appropriate to have students playing or loitering around at 8:00 pm. Organizers should address this,” he noted.

“Umpires also need proper assessment by the right people to reduce the mistakes witnessed during matches.”

UCU team captain Linda Muzigo credited the squad’s confidence and discipline as key factors behind their impressive league campaign.

“First, I am impressed by our performance and can confidently say that 2025 was a good season for us,” Muzigo said. “My main takeaway from last season is that when a team is united and confident, great things can be achieved on court. Next season, we promise to do even better than we did last year.”

Following the final league standings, Uganda will be represented by four clubs at the championships: Prisons Netball Club, league champions KCCA, UCU Netball Club, and defending champions NIC. The East Africa Netball Club Championships are scheduled for May in Rwanda.