World Netball welcomes Uganda back into the fold

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After nearly two years of challenges and uncertainty, Uganda’s netball stakeholders have a reason to celebrate. The World Netball president, Dame Liz Nicholl, has officially announced that the newly formed Netball Uganda has been recognised, approved, and re-admitted into the World Netball family.

The good news came through Nicholl's end-of-year message, where she commended the collaborative efforts that led to the normalisation of netball governance in Uganda.

She acknowledged the birth of Netball Uganda under the leadership of its new president, Jocelyn Ucanda, as a significant milestone for the sport.

“In extraordinary circumstances, Uganda re-joined World Netball as the newly formed Netball Uganda, following a period of significant administrative turmoil,” Nicholl stated.

“With the support of experienced and independent sporting leaders, an Independent Normalisation Committee took temporary control and developed a new constitution, which was passed at an extraordinary assembly,” she added.

She also expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the normalisation process while emphasising World Netball’s mission to grow, inspire, and prioritise athletes in decision-making.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in the Normalisation Committee. At World Netball, we are on a mission to grow, play, and inspire through netball, keeping athletes at the heart of our decision-making, and your actions ensured this happened.”

World Netball had suspended the previous Uganda Netball Federation, led by Sarah Babirye as president, in November 2023 due to governance issues that had plunged the sport into chaos.

This suspension led to the formation of a Normalisation Committee tasked with stabilising the federation, drafting a new constitution, and organising fresh elections to fill the positions of the suspended leadership.

Moses Mwase was appointed as the chairperson of this committee. Together with other members and support from the National Council of Sports, Mwase fulfilled World Netball's requirements by paving the way for the formation of Netball Uganda (the legal netball federation body in Uganda).

The subsequent elections saw NIC Netball Club and She Cranes manager, Jocelyn Ucanda, emerge as president unopposed in October this year.

The sport of netball has been one of Uganda’s standout sports disciplines on the international stage in recent years thanks to the She Cranes’ impressive performances. (File photo)

The sport of netball has been one of Uganda’s standout sports disciplines on the international stage in recent years thanks to the She Cranes’ impressive performances. The team has competed in prestigious tournaments, including the Netball World Cup, Fast5 World Netball Series, Africa Netball Cup, and Commonwealth Games.

Uganda's She Cranes have gained recognition as a formidable force, frequently challenging netball powerhouses like Australia, New Zealand, and England. Within Africa, they continue to rival South Africa for the top spot on the continent.

As Uganda transitions into this new era under Ucanda’s leadership, stakeholders are eager to see the Uganda Netball Super League resume after a nearly two-year absence.

Clubs, players, managers, sponsors, and fans are hopeful that this progress marks the beginning of sustained growth and success for the sport in Uganda.