The Uganda Lady Cranes XVs are off to Ivory Coast to compete in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Division I Championship, following an official flag-off ceremony held by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) in partnership with the National Council of Sports (NCS).
The event, which took place at Cooper Chimney in Lugogo, was presided over by Sarah Chelangat, NCS Assistant General Secretary – Technical, alongside URU President Godwin Kayangwe.
A total of 28 players and 5 officials were unveiled to represent Uganda in the tournament, which will run from April 9 to 20 at San Pedro Denise Stadium.
Speaking at the flag-off, Kayangwe described the tournament as a significant milestone in Uganda’s women’s rugby journey.
“We are proud of the team selected, as it reflects a deliberate blend of experience and youthful promise,” he said, highlighting the inclusion of players from the successful U20 system.
Head Coach Charles Onen echoed the optimism, saying, “We’ve had a solid build-up with this group, and we are confident they will represent Uganda with pride. This tournament offers the ideal platform to grow our 15s program.”
The Lady Cranes will face Tunisia, hosts Ivory Coast, and Zimbabwe in a round-robin format. The top-performing side will secure promotion to the elite division of women’s rugby on the continent, with further qualification into the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup set for May.
Among the experienced players expected to lead the side are Yvonne Najjuma and Peace Lekuru, both capped nine times. Several exciting young prospects, including Bushira Namutebi, Peace Nemira, and Phiona Nantongo—who graduated from the U20 setup—have also made the travelling squad.
The team departs for Ivory Coast on Tuesday, April 9. URU expressed appreciation to its partners, including NCS and Nile Special, for their support of women’s rugby in Uganda, and called on fans to rally behind the Lady Cranes as they take on the continent
Full 28-Player squad:
Ank Patricia, Sijali Doreen, Kokoi Christine, Nakalembe Phoebe, Mbabazi Doreen, Asaba Awebwa Evelyn Beth, Najjuma Yvonne, Namukwaya Fazirah, Nemira Peace, Cabrine Kirabo, Mukyaala Proscovia, Acen Leona, Nanyonjo Angella, Nakafero Sarah, Adong Suzan, Akello Tina, Nantongo Phiona, Samia Ayikoru, Namabiro Lydia, Bushira Namutebi, Lekuru Peace, Nabaggala Grace, Auma Grace, Anganyika Comfort, Nakuyu Agnes, Mufuwa Rachael, Nandudu Janati, Nambooze Mastula.
Uganda Lady Cranes XVs fixtures:
April 11, 2025: Uganda vs Tunisia – 2:00 PM (local time) / 5:00 PM (EAT)
April 15, 2025: Ivory Coast vs Uganda – 4:00 PM (local time) / 7:00 PM (EAT)
April 19, 2025: Zimbabwe vs Uganda – 12:00 PM (local time) / 3:00 PM (EAT)
Technical Bench:
Head Coach: Charles Onen
Assistant Coach: Kigonogo Sesebalamu
Team Manager: Dorcas Mundua
Physiotherapists: Nelson Mayeku & Natasha Nataatsya
