Peace Lekuru returns to lead Uganda Lady Cranes for Africa Women’s Sevens

Uganda’s Lady Cranes Sevens have named a strong 12-player squad for the 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens set for Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 16 November at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

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The headlines centre on the inclusion of star player Peace Lekuru, who will highlight the return of experienced names.

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The squad features four changes from the side that featured in last month’s Safari 7s in Nairobi, with Samiya Ayikoru, Lekuru, Unity Namulala, and Susan Adong all making their way back into the fold.

The quartet replaces Tina Akello, Comfort Anganyika, and Racheal Mufuwa.

Lekuru’s inclusion is a major boost for the Ugandan side. The powerful centre, who recently went professional after signing for English rugby league side York Valkyrie in the Betfred Women’s Super League, brings much-needed leadership and experience to the squad.

Her switch from rugby union to league marked a significant career milestone, following in the footsteps of her sister, Emily Lekuru, who in April became the first Ugandan woman to sign a professional rugby contract in Japan.

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Head coach Charles Cyphus Onen has overseen the team’s preparations, ensuring the Lady Cranes are in top shape ahead of the continental showdown.

The squad is injury-free following their impressive run at the Safari 7s, where they finished second after a narrow 14–10 defeat to Kenya Lionesses in the final.

Agnes Nakuya retains the captaincy and will lead a squad that includes Lydia Namabiro, Yvonne Najjuma, Fazira Namukwaya, Grace Nabagala, Juliet Nandawula, Sandra Amoli Lona, and Janat Nandudu.

The Lady Cranes have been drawn in Pool C alongside Zambia and Burkina Faso. They will face a tough challenge from continental heavyweights South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar, who headline the other pools.

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Uganda currently sits third from last year’s standings behind log leaders South Africa and second-placed Kenya Lionesses.