Netballers honoured at Liberation Day celebrations

By David Namunyala

The national netball players were recognised at the 29th NRM Liberation Day celebrations in Soroti on Monday.

The celebrations that were held under the theme ‘A steady and sustainable transformation of Uganda’ saw over 300 people decorated with medals of honour at the main sports grounds.

Among these were the 36 netball players and eight officials in both the She Cranes team and their junior side She Pearls who were recognised for their tremendous contribution to the country in the past two years.

The She Cranes is currently preparing for the World Cup in Australia after 35 years.

To qualify for the world cup, the She Cranes won the Africa Netball World Cup Qualifiers held in Botswana last year.

In 2013 the same team finished in third place at the Africa Cup held in Malawi and won the Six Nations Cup in Singapore.

She Cranes players meet Museveni at the 29th NRM Liberation Day celebrations in Soroti

The teams performance placed Uganda in 14th place in world rankings and third in Africa behind Malawi and South Africa.

Netballers who attended include, Joan Ameo, Cissy Nalubega, Florance Amono, Alice Nantes, Halima Nakachwa, Florance Nanyonga, Lillian Ajio, Beatrice Zawadi, Desire Obua, Annet Nakiwu, Suzan Atino, Flavia Nalule, Lukia Meeme, Esther Awayo, Jesca Achan, Desire Mirembe, Dorothy Tabia, Harriet Apako, Elizabeth Atonet, Carol Badaru, Agnes Namirembe, Joan Nampungu, Irene Eyaru, Resty Nambogo, Florence Aduniya, Carol Namusoke, Betty Kizza, Esther Nabulime, Janet Adong and Racheal Nanyonga.

Senior team skipper Peace Proscovia, Hadijah Nakabuye, Carol Nyafwono, Juliet Nakafeero, Martha Soiji and Seera Zam did not attend the ceremony