Mugerwa, a seasoned coach with an impressive track record, chose a grand reception event at the Kampala Serena Hotel to bring his concerns to the forefront. What began as a celebration of the She Cranes’ stellar performance at the 2023 Netball World Cup quickly turned somber as Mugerwa aired his grievances, revealing a disheartening two-year period during which he claims to have gone unpaid and allegedly subjected to mistreatment.

“I cannot be abused and not paid. If I was being paid, I would say it’s because I am being paid, but I am a volunteer,” Mugerwa stated firmly, emphasizing his frustration and disappointment. His emotional disclosure shed light on a situation where dedicated service and commitment seemed to be overshadowed by what he perceives as neglect and mistreatment.

Delving deeper into Mugerwa’s claims, it appears there is substance to his assertions. Sources within the UNF have reportedly confirmed that the federation received UGX 900 million from the government to facilitate the She Cranes’ participation in the Netball World Cup. However, allegations have emerged that instead of directing these funds toward the team’s needs, a portion of the money was channeled elsewhere.

Anonymous insiders allege that a significant portion of the allocated funds was diverted to the personal benefit of federation executives. While exact figures and recipients remain undisclosed, it is claimed that the money was used for commissions, salaries, and other personal expenses unrelated to the team’s preparation and expenses.

This shocking revelation has raised concerns not only about financial mismanagement but also about the overall transparency and accountability within the UNF. Netball enthusiasts and stakeholders are now questioning the integrity of the federation’s leadership and demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds.

As the netball community processes these revelations, attention is shifting away from the She Cranes’ impressive performance on the world stage and onto the urgent need for accountability and reform within the UNF. While the team’s accomplishments remain a source of national pride, the recent developments serve as a stark reminder that success on the court must be accompanied by fairness and responsibility behind the scenes.

With just over a month until the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, the spotlight is now on the UNF to address the allegations and take appropriate actions to restore confidence and ensure that the She Cranes’ preparations are not hindered by administrative turmoil. The netball fraternity, along with the nation at large, awaits the federation’s response and its commitment to transparency and accountability

From the onset, Uganda’s Gazelles dominated the court, establishing an early lead of 18-8 within the opening minutes. With Melissa Akullu, Janon Otto, and Jane Asinde leading the scoring, it seemed as though Uganda would continue their triumphant streak. The Gazelles’ signature victory dance, a tradition after each successful game, further fueled their spirits, while the eager eyes of the Kigali girls watched on.

However, the second quarter saw Rwanda fighting back with tenacity, gradually chipping away at Uganda’s lead. With Destiny Promise Philoxy and her team rallying behind the roaring crowd, Rwanda’s players displayed their prowess on the court, exhibiting unstoppable energy in the third and final quarters.

In a climactic turn of events, Rwanda managed to outmaneuver Uganda in the dying minutes of the game, securing their spot in the semi-finals. As the final whistle blew, the Kigali crowd erupted into exuberant celebrations, showcasing their support for the victorious Rwandese girls.

But the story doesn’t end with just a victory; it’s about the rich symbolism of the victory song that accompanied Rwanda’s triumph. In a twist of irony, the song, originally in Luganda – a Ugandan dialect – was adapted by the jubilant Rwandese, who cheekily sang, “Ani yabalimba nti abaana ba Kagame mubasobola,” mocking the Gazelles and perhaps adding a touch of rivalry to the joyous occasion.

With their historical win, Rwanda now sets its sights on the Thursday evening semi-final clash against reigning champions Nigeria. As Rwanda continues its upward trajectory in the tournament, the nation’s passion for basketball reaches new heights, with fans eagerly rallying behind their team.

While Uganda’s defeat may have disappointed their supporters, it’s clear that Rwanda has emerged as a formidable force in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket. The resilience, determination, and undeniable skills displayed by the Kigali girls have earned them a well-deserved place in the tournament’s final four teams.

As the competition unfolds, basketball enthusiasts across the continent eagerly anticipate the upcoming semi-finals and finals, where more thrilling displays of talent and passion are sure to captivate fans. For now, Rwanda basks in the glory of their historic victory, knowing they have already made their mark in AfroBasket history.

Classification:

Cameroon Vs Guinea

Uganda Vs Mozambique

Semis:

Rwanda Vs Nigeria

Senegal Vs Mali

On the latest ranking released Tuesday 21st December, Uganda made the first ranking change seen climbing to 6th position. This is placed the uppermost ranking in the history of the Uganda and the Netball National Team-She Cranes.

She Cranes’ beautiful performance and victory at the Pent Series and successful stint at the Africa Netball Cup increased their rating by four to 126, allowing them to move into sixth place, relegating Malawi who moved down to 7th with a rating of 125.

The same two series benefitted Samoa and Fiji who move up the rankings to 15th and 16th due to Zambia falling two places to 17th, whilst hosts of the series Namibia moved up from 25th to 22nd as a result of their performance. 

Below 22nd, there was lots of movement within the WN World Rankings with Emirates Netball (UAE) moving up 8 places to 29th and Tanzania regaining a world ranking and entering the table at 40th.

According to World Netball, 2021 has been a busy period for netball and exciting for so many teams to return to the court following the extended period of lock-downs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

These include matches played at the Northern Ireland Test Series, Taini Jamison Trophy Cadbury Netball Series, Europe Netball Open Challenge, Margaret Beckford Sunshine Series, Pent Series (Namibia), Africa Netball Cup, Isle of Man Series, Battle of the Saints, Roses Reunited Series and Netball Scotland Series.

This latest update sees no change to the positions of the top five teams in the WN World Rankings, with Australia retaining 1st place, New Zealand in 2nd, England in 3rd and Jamaica and South Africa in 4th and 5th place.

Despite remaining in the top spot Australia haven’t played since the last WN World Ranking update, whilst New Zealand have played three times with a 2:1 series defeat to England seeing their rating decrease by two.  

England have played six times with two 2:1 series’ victories, over New Zealand and Jamaica, increasing their rating from 175 to 178 to cement their 3rd place spot.

Earlier this year due to COVID the WN Board decided to defer the World Rankings Annual Update from July 2021 until after the qualification date for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. 

The top six Commonwealth Games Association’s (CGA’s), as per the WN World Rankings on the 28th July 2021, were invited in October to participate in the games, but the remaining six CGA’s have until the extended date of the 31st January 2022 to qualify. 

The CGA’s ranked 7-12 after the annual update on the 31st January will then be invited in February 2022.

These decisions were made to protect the integrity of the rankings for the benefit of Member nations and provide additional time for fixtures to be played before the 2022 domestic netball season begins. 

Tanzania 1-2 Ethiopia

Burundi 3-0 Djibouti

Eritrea 0-2 Uganda

By Daniels N. Tatya

A goal by Hadijah Nandago ensured that team Uganda remained focused and on course, as the country’s Cecafa destiny remains in their hands going into the quarters.

Ethiopia is the other team to have won all their three though with an inferior goal difference. It’s therefore factual here that team Uganda is playing a clear business game at the on-going Cecafa U-20 women’s tournament in Jinja at the Njeru technical center. 

After 24 minutes of fruitless play, Hadijah Nandago gave her team some relief in the 25th minute sending Uganda in the first half lead. The results score clock then counted Eritrea 0-1 Uganda.

Nandago’s first against Eritrean came as no surprise to both her as a player and the team looking at how she has been faring statistically. She has always found the ball behind the nets first through Uganda’s last four encounters. 

She scored the first goal in each of Uganda U-20 Women’s National team in the last 4 games going first against Kenya in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers, first against Burundi, against Djibouti and on Wednesday evening had herself find the score path against Eritrea in the on-going CECAFA tourney.

Just minutes after break at the 49th minute mark, team captain Fauzia Najjemba doubled the team’s lead with a second goal for Uganda. Najjemba’s 2^nd for Uganda in the 63rd minute confirmed Uganda still remained on course of the journey against the hapless and troublesome Eritreans on the evening.