NIC and Budo dominate opening day of 2025 National Netball Rally

The 2025 National Netball Rally kicked off on Friday, March 21, in Busia, with National Insurance Netball Club (NIC) and Budo Secondary School showcasing their dominance on the opening day of the two-day tournament.

The event was officially opened by Netball Uganda president Jocelyn Ucanda, who served as the Chief Guest.

Ucanda praised the headteachers, proprietors, and games teachers of participating institutions for their unwavering support of netball. She encouraged others to follow their example, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the sport.

“We are thrilled to be back on the court. The past year without netball was challenging, but I am encouraged by the turnout today. This is a clear sign that we are on the right path to reclaiming our greatness,” Ucanda said.

She specifically acknowledged the efforts of institutions such as St. Mary’s Kitende, St. Noa, Budo Secondary School, and Kawanda Secondary School in promoting the sport.

A Budo player with the ball against St. Noa in their Match. Budo won 23-22

Competitive Matches Highlight Opening Day
In the club category, NIC delivered a commanding performance, defeating hosts Busia Lioness 31-9 and later overcoming KCCA 21-15 in an entertaining match. Meanwhile, Police narrowly lost to UPDF 26-27 in a closely contested battle, while Weyonje secured a 25-19 victory over Alisha before drawing 22-22 with Police. UPDF also triumphed over Busia with a 25-13 win.

In the schools’ category, Budo Secondary School edged out St. Noa 23-22 in a thrilling encounter, while St. Mary’s Kitende dominated Kawanda Secondary 29-17. St. Noa bounced back with a resounding 32-8 victory over Hamdan, and St. Mary’s Kitende delivered a staggering 52-2 win against Busia Seed.

NIC's Florence Nanyonga was instrumental in their 21-15 win over KCCA in the National Netball Rally in Busia

Knockout Stages and Finals Ahead
The tournament continues on Sunday, March 22, with the knockout stages, semifinals, and finals. The National Netball Rally in Busia marks the first major event on the netball calendar after a year and a half of inactivity, signaling a strong return for the sport in Uganda.

NIC's Margaret Bagala passes the ball to Rachael Nanyonga (L) during the National Rally fixture in Busia. PHOTO: Johnson Were

National Netball Rally

Day 1 Results

Clubs

NIC 21 KCCA 15

Police 26 UPDF 27

NIC 31 Busia 9

Alisha 19 Weyonje 25

Weyonje 22 Police 22

Busia 13 UPDF 25

Schools

St. Marys Kitende 29 Kawanda 17

St. Noa 22 Budo 23

St. Noa 32 Hamdan 8

St. Marys Kitende 52 Busia seed 2