Uganda Netball League Returns to Nakivubo, Reviving the Spirit of the Game
After a long hiatus, the Uganda Netball League has officially returned, with matches now taking place at the newly refurbished Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo. This marks a significant milestone for the sport, signaling its return to where it truly belongs.
Since the netball elections held on 26th October 2024, several activities have paved the way for this historic moment, culminating in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 29th March 2025. Held at Cooper Chimney, Lugogo, the AGM addressed two major milestones: the return of the national league and the appointment of standing committees to strengthen the federation’s governance.
A New Season Kicks Off at Nakivubo
The last national netball league was held in 2023, and its much-anticipated return officially began with a throw-off on 5th April 2025 at Nakivubo. Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Ucanda confirmed that both men’s and women’s clubs are fully prepared for the season.
The league is set to run from April to November, covering 50 local and international events, 11 of which have already been completed. Two of the most anticipated fixtures are the Africa Netball Cup and the World Male Championship, both scheduled for October.
Standing Committees Appointed to Lead Netball Uganda
At the AGM, eleven new committees were formed to guide the sport’s strategic direction. The following individuals were appointed as heads:
- Planning and Events – William Bwambale
- Technical Committee – Richard Muhumuza
- Finance and Marketing – Hajj Yusuf Kamulegeya
- Media and Publicity – Jocelyn Ucanda
- Legal Committee – Moses Mwase
- Safety and Equipment – Aminah Mande
- Safe Guarding – Douglas Kabwegere
- Medical Commission – Solomon Ndaula & Isma Ssenyondo
- Anti-Doping – Stephen Ataro
- Athletes Committee – Ruth Meeme, Rachael Nanyonga, Remmy Nyonjo, and 17 others
Clubs Meet League Requirements and Registration Conditions
Eleven women’s clubs and seven men’s clubs successfully met Netball Uganda’s participation requirements. These include both teams from the previous season and newly promoted clubs. All participants paid a registration fee of UGX 1,000,000, demonstrating their commitment to the revived competition.
Historically, the league was hosted at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) before relocating to Kamwokya and Kibuli due to the closure of Nakivubo for redevelopment. Now that the venue is back in action, excitement is running high.
“Players will be more comfortable here. With proper changing rooms and ample seating for fans, Nakivubo will transform the matchday experience,” said President Ucanda in an interview with Daily Monitor.
Veteran player Rachael Nanyonga, one of the few active players who previously competed at Nakivubo, added:
“It’s a neutral ground and truly feels like home. Its return will uplift the league’s image and bring us all closer.”
Teams Prepare as KCCA Edges NIC in Opening Thriller
Over the past three weeks, clubs have been ramping up their training. KCCA Ladies, the 2023 runners-up behind Prisons, faced off with former champions National Insurance Corporation (NIC) in the opening match on Saturday.
Held at Nakivubo, the game was intense, with KCCA narrowly winning 40–39. Despite having recruited new players, head coach Fred Mugerwa acknowledged fitness remains a concern after the long break.
“We have new players and are now training with a clear goal. However, the late release of fixtures on Tuesday this week was not ideal. Fixtures should be shared at least a month in advance to allow teams to prepare strategically,” Mugerwa remarked.
NIC, who finished third in the last season, are keen to bounce back. Assistant coach Ali Mugisha revealed they have added key players, including defender Shakirah Nassaka, formerly of Makindye Weyonje.
“Our goal is to reclaim the title and possibly go unbeaten like we did in 2021,” Mugisha stated confidently.
Matchday Results – Opening Weekend Highlights
- KCCA 40 – 39 NIC
- UPDF 46 – 43 Ugisa
- Busia Greater Lions 44 – 42 UGX Luweero
- UCU 52 – 35 Dynamite
Goal attacker and captain Nanyonga believes the 2025 National Netball Rally helped identify areas of improvement.
“We reviewed our past mistakes and tested our strengths during the rally. Now, we’re better prepared,” she said.
The Road Ahead for Uganda Netball
With fixtures in place and the league officially underway, the 2025 Uganda Netball League promises excitement, fierce competition, and renewed hope for the sport. As the teams settle into the season, Nakivubo stands tall as a symbol of netball’s revival in Uganda.