Uganda women’s softball team heads to Kenya for World Cup qualifiers

Uganda’s women’s softball team has departed for Kenya to compete in the African continental qualifier for the 2027 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup, scheduled to take place from April 5–11 in Australia.

The qualifier will run from November 28–30 at Jomo Kenyatta University in Nairobi, featuring four nations: South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, and Uganda. The top two teams will advance to the second qualification round in the Czech Republic, with subsequent phases set for Peru and later the United States.

Team manager Ester Nakabugo expressed confidence ahead of the competition. “Uganda needs to finish among the top two to advance to the next round. We are confident this time because the players are determined, and some have valuable experience. Several have previously played in South Africa and Canada,” she said.

Nakabugo noted that this is Uganda’s second attempt at World Cup qualification, the first coming in 2016 when the team finished third in the continental qualifier.

Head coach Sunday Chandiga echoed her optimism. “We have selected the best players from several trials. They bring national-level experience from Nakirebe in Mpigi District, Panyadori in Kiryandongo, Lugazi in Mukono, and Gayaza in Wakiso,” he explained.

The team was officially flagged off by James Kasumba, sports coordinator at the National Council of Sports (NCS), who urged the players to embrace team spirit as a key ingredient for success.

The squad comprises 14 players and two coaches. Team captain Lilian Naiga will lead the side, assisted by Jaliah Nambalirwa. The full roster includes Zaituni Nakalema, Dorothy Babirye, Sarah Nakulima, Maureen Nabukalu, Kevin Apoko, Linden Banenwaki, Sarah Atim, Jane Alaba, Brenda Awori, Harriet Olana, and Gloria Acokori.