Uganda’s men’s team returns as netball pushes for Olympic equality
World Netball has already taken bold steps toward making the sport fully gender-inclusive.
The male netball team celebrating their second place finish at the 2021 Africa Male Netball Championship in South Africa. Courtesy photo
Netball is among the sports eyeing inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
However, for any sport to secure a place at the Olympics, gender equality is essential it must be played and represented by both men and women.
World Netball has already taken bold steps toward making the sport fully gender-inclusive. Yet transforming a sport traditionally dominated by women into one embraced by both genders will not be simple. Success will require strong commitment and support from national federations, as well as increased visibility and investment.
As the Africa Netball Championship unfolds in Malawi from December 8–14, a significant milestone is taking shape. For the first time, men’s teams will compete alongside women’s teams, battling for continental glory.
Countries that have fielded male teams include Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Malawi, Eswatini, Kenya, and Namibia. Their participation marks a major step forward for the sport on the continent.
Uganda’s national men’s team coach, Jesse Asiimwe, remains optimistic that Ugandans will soon embrace male netball with the same enthusiasm they have for the women’s game.
“Truth is that less has been done to promote male netball despite it being played for some time. Although we have played locally, we have not been active in continental or international engagements. We first appeared at a continental tournament in 2021 in South Africa, and after that, we went silent,” Asiimwe explained.
Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, made their continental debut at the 2021 Africa Men’s Netball International Championship in South Africa. The upcoming 2025 Africa Netball Championship will mark their second continental appearance as an opportunity to reintroduce the team and solidify Uganda’s place in the growing world of male netball.
As efforts toward Olympic inclusion continue, embracing male netball is no longer optional; it is a necessary step toward a more equitable and globally recognized sport.