Uganda names 20-woman squad for CECAFA Women’s Championship defence

The head coach of Uganda’s senior women’s national team, Sheryl Botes, has unveiled a 20-player squad that will represent the country at the upcoming 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship in Tanzania.

Uganda, the defending champions, will rely on a largely home-based selection, with only one foreign-based player—midfielder Margaret Kunihira, who features for Caessia Queens LFC in Tanzania—making the cut.

The regional tournament is scheduled to take place from June 12 to 21 at the Azam Complex in Chamazi. Participating nations include hosts Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan, and Kenya. The championship will be played in a round-robin format, with each team facing off once.

The Crested Cranes are set to enter camp on Sunday, June 8 at FUFA Hotel in Kisaasi, before commencing training on Monday, June 9 at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo. The team will depart for Tanzania on Tuesday, June 10.

Uganda enters the tournament as favorites and will be looking to defend their title with pride and purpose under the leadership of Coach Botes and a talented squad.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers:

Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC)

Lillian Nakiirya (St. Noa Girls FC)

Nulu Nakyaze Babirye (Goldstar Ladies FC)

Defenders:

Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC)

Jamilah Nabulime (Kampala Queens FC)

Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC)

Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)

Docas Lwalisa (Olila HS WFC)

Zainah Nandede (Kampala Queens FC)