Kenya Lionesses face rivals Uganda in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup opener

Hosts Kenya Lionesses will launch their quest for a first Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title when they take on regional rivals Uganda Lady Cranes in a highly anticipated East African derby at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday, 23 May.

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The clash headlines the opening day of the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Performance Division, which has brought together Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and Madagascar in a round-robin battle for continental supremacy.

Kenya head into the tournament determined to go one better after finishing second in last year’s edition. Playing on home soil and backed by a passionate Nairobi crowd, the Lionesses will be banking on familiarity with the RFUEA conditions, to make a strong statement from the onset.

The match also marks Kenya’s first 15s outing of the year, giving added significance to the encounter as the technical bench looks to assess combinations against top-level opposition ahead of a demanding international season.

Captain Natasha Emali will lead the Lionesses from the front row alongside Jane Chanya and Knight Otuoma, with experienced campaigners Naomi Jelagat and Phoebe Otieno locking the scrum.

Kenya have also injected fresh energy into the squad, with Marvel Oswago among the debutants handed an opportunity in the back row alongside Nelly Chikombe and Naomi Amuguni.

In the backs, vice-captain Maureen Muritu partners Sinaida Mokaya at halfback, while the dangerous midfield pairing of Stella Wafula and Faith Livoi will be tasked with unlocking the Ugandan defence.

Speedster Janet Okello starts on the wing alongside debutant Tracy Montex, as Freshia Oduor takes charge at fullback.

The bench further reflects Kenya’s efforts to build squad depth, with Jascenta Musakali, Charity Nillah, Maria Goretti, and Angel Salamba all in line for possible debuts.

Despite Kenya entering the clash as favourites, Uganda arrive in Nairobi full of confidence after securing promotion back to the top tier in dominant fashion last year.

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The Lady Cranes stormed through the Rugby Africa Women’s Division One tournament in Côte d’Ivoire, thrashing Zimbabwe 63-7, before also overcoming Tunisia and the hosts to return to Africa’s elite competition.

Uganda head coach Charles Onen believes the return to the top division is proof that the Lady Cranes belong among the continent’s best.

“Last year, we were promoted to the top tier after beating Ivory Coast, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia. It was a very good feeling being back in the top tier. This is where Uganda is supposed to be playing,” said Onen.

However, Uganda face an even greater challenge this year, with relegation introduced into the competition format, meaning the bottom-placed side will drop out of the top division.

Uganda captain Angella Nanyonjo will anchor the visitors from number eight, with Doreen Sijali, Fazirah Namukwaya, and Doreen Mbabazi forming the front row.

Juliet Nandawula and Bushira Namutebi will control play at halfback, while Christine Akello, Peace Lekuru, and Grace Nabaggala provide attacking threat in the backs.

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Like Kenya, Uganda have also shown faith in youth, with Unity Namulala earning a starting role and several uncapped players named among the replacements.

The opening day will also see South Africa face Madagascar at 2:00 pm, before the Lionesses and Lady Cranes battle it out at 4:00 pm EAT, in what promises to be a fierce and physical derby.

Kenya will then take on Madagascar on 27 May, before concluding their campaign against South Africa on 31 May in a blockbuster finale that could potentially decide the title.

Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2026 – Performance Division

Venue: RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi, Kenya

Dates: May 23–31, 2026

May 23 – Match Day 1

• South Africa vs Madagascar – 2:00 pm EAT

• Kenya vs Uganda – 4:00 pm EAT

May 27 – Match Day 2

• South Africa vs Uganda – 2:00 pm EAT

• Kenya vs Madagascar – 4:00 pm EAT

May 31 – Match Day 3

• Uganda vs Madagascar – 2:00 pm EAT

• South Africa vs Kenya – 4:00 pm EAT