Uganda’s men’s netball team heads to Malawi for historic championship

Uganda’s male national netball team, affectionately known as “The Rock,” embarked on a demanding road journey to Lilongwe, Malawi, on Wednesday after financial constraints forced Netball Uganda to opt for bus transport.

The team will represent Uganda in the inaugural Africa Male Netball Championship, a prestigious tournament scheduled to run from Monday through December 14 at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex in Lilongwe.

During the flag-off ceremony, Richard Muhumuza, Vice President of Netball Uganda in charge of technical matters, explained the circumstances behind the team’s travel arrangements. He revealed that when the federation submitted its budget to the National Council of Sports (NCS), the government’s allocation was directed to the She Cranes, Uganda’s senior women’s team, which is also competing in the Africa Cup.

Muhumuza noted that the funds received were insufficient to cater to both teams. Since World Netball requires countries with women’s teams to also field men’s teams in international and African competitions, as part of efforts to have netball considered for the Olympic Games, the federation could only afford bus transport for the men’s side.

Despite the challenges, Muhumuza expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, stressing that the players had undergone rigorous training. He said this maiden appearance in the tournament would mark the beginning of consistent participation in future championships, adding that the team was determined to deliver a commendable performance just as the She Cranes did in Scotland.

Martha Soigi, sports tutor at Kampala University, extended gratitude to Al-Hajji Prof. Dr. Badru Kateregga, proprietor of the institution and patron of The Rock. Prof. Kateregga provided financial assistance to cover transportation and other necessities for the 12 players and four officials. Soigi praised his generosity, noting that his support had enabled the team to embark on the journey and expressing hope that they would return home victorious.

Uganda has been drawn in Group A alongside South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, while Group B features hosts Malawi, Eswatini, Kenya, and Namibia. The travelling contingent of 12 players and four officials is determined to make history in Uganda’s first appearance at the Africa Male Netball Championship.

Players:
Captain Gonzaga Kigozi, Mishar Ssebuliba, Richard Eppa, Denis Mukisa, Joseph Kasule, Dissan Wasswa, Hilbert Oywark, Pius Ssekandi, Andrew Wasswa, John Kizito, Bosco Yiga and Mustafa Kato.

Officials:
Team Manager – Dr. Sarah Nkonge Muwonge
Federation Official – Muwada Ramathan
Head Coach – Jessy Assiimwe.