Netball Uganda begins new chapter under Ucanda

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The newly elected leadership of Netball Uganda, led by president Jocelyn Ucanda, has officially begun its term with a pledge to advance the sport in the country.

Ucanda’s three-year tenure, which runs from January 2025 to October 2028, will focus on growing the popularity of netball and maintaining the She Cranes’ impressive global standing.

"We pledge total commitment to the new statutory framework under the Sports Act 2023," Ucanda declared. "Our goal is to make netball a sport that is loved and followed by all Ugandans."

Ucanda also proudly highlighted the She Cranes’ current global ranking of sixth and second in Africa, just behind South Africa.

She commended the players, coaches, umpires, and clubs for their dedication and expressed optimism about surpassing these achievements in the future.

The leadership handover took place during a colourful ceremony on December 29, 2024, at Nob View Hotel in Ntinda, Kampala.

Normalization committee chairman, Moses Mwase, hands over the instruments of power to Netball Uganda president, Jocelyn Ucanda. (Credit: Charles Lwanga)

The event marked the official transition from the Netball Normalisation Committee, symbolising a new chapter for the sport in Uganda.

World Netball president Dame Liz Nicholl congratulated Ucanda and her team in her end-of-year message, praising the normalisation process that restructured the sport.

"In extraordinary circumstances, Uganda rejoined World Netball under Netball Uganda, following significant administrative turmoil," Dame Liz remarked while commending the establishment of a new constitution and leadership.

Outgoing normalisation committee chairperson Mose Mwase reflected on the committee’s achievements, including drafting a new constitution, holding successful elections, and re-establishing Uganda's membership in World Netball.

"We fulfilled our mandate and ensured a smooth transition. We are confident in the new leadership and ready to support them when needed," Mwase stated.

The formation of Netball Uganda follows the suspension of the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) leadership in 2023 due to governance chaos. The normalisation committee recommended a new governing body to ensure effective management.

Mwase explained that UNF’s financial insolvency and lack of government recognition necessitated the creation of Netball Uganda.

"UNF’s liabilities exceed sh1b, and it lacks assets or a valid license. Netball Uganda offers a fresh start," he clarified.



Former and current She Cranes players Ruth Meeme and Racheal Nanyonga, now part of the Netball Uganda Athletes Committee, expressed their confidence in Ucanda’s leadership.

They called for the immediate resumption of the Uganda Netball Super League, which has been dormant since April 2023.

“It is good that Netball Uganda has finally got fully elected leaders. I have faith in them to take the sport to great heights, and I wish them well. I want to see the league resume soon because, in its absence, many players have abandoned the sport, and clubs are about to close,” Nanyonga noted.

“Madam Ucanda is an experienced sports manager, and I am confident she will bring positive change. Restarting the league should be her first priority,” Meeme added.

Ucanda responded with a commitment to revitalise the league, beginning with a national rally after schools re-open for the first term in February 2025, followed by a professional league.

Additionally, the She Cranes squad for the upcoming Quad Series in England will be summoned within a week.

With her extensive experience as NIC Netball Club manager and former She Cranes team Manager, Ucanda’s leadership brings high expectations for the future of netball in Uganda.

Netball Uganda Leadership

President: Jocelyn Ucanda

Vice President (Administration): William Bwambale

Vice President (Technical): Richard Muhumuza

Honorary Secretary: Amina Mande

Treasurer: Yusuf Kamulegeya

Regional Representatives

Buganda: Sarah Nkonge Muwonge

Kampala: Yahaya Ssengabi

Kitara: Rajab Sentamu

Eastern: Alice Alweny

Northern: Winnie Zudiga

North Eastern: John Bosco Omugen

Western: Douglas Kabwegere

West Nile: Brenda Dradira