Uganda Lady Cranes’ coach outlines targets ahead of Rugby Africa tournament
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 20.05.26. | 16:17
The team will be led by head coach Muhammad Athiyo, who recently concluded a successful nine-year spell at Heathens Rugby Club
Uganda Lady Cranes assistant coach Charles Onen has outlined the team’s ambitions ahead of the 2026 Rugby Africa Women’s Performance Division tournament, with survival in the top tier and improving on last year’s performance topping the agenda.
The Lady Cranes will once again battle against continental heavyweights Kenya, South Africa and Madagascar after earning promotion to the elite competition through a dominant campaign in Côte d’Ivoire last year.
Download our Mozzart Sport App for more news
Uganda sealed qualification for the top division after thrashing Zimbabwe 63-7 in the Rugby Africa Women’s Division One tournament.
They completed the round-robin competition unbeaten, recording commanding victories over Zimbabwe, Tunisia, and hosts Côte d’Ivoire to secure promotion.
Their strong run saw them join Kenya, South Africa, and Madagascar in the continent’s premier women’s 15s competition.
The four sides were also among the standout nations during the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens tournament staged in Accra, Ghana, last November.
Reflecting on the achievement, Onen said returning to the top tier was proof that Uganda belongs among Africa’s rugby elite.
“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. Here is where you gauge yourself against the top-performing countries like Kenya, South Africa, and, currently, Madagascar,” Onen said.
_(1).jpg)
Unlike last year’s campaign, the stakes are even higher this time round with relegation introduced into the competition format.
“With the four teams, this time round it is different from last year because last year we just had a go from the Division One, but this time there is going to be relegation. As we speak, Tunisia qualified for the top division. Whoever comes fourth in this competition will be relegated,” he noted.
Onen added that Uganda’s immediate target is securing their place among the continent’s best before setting sights on improving their results from the previous edition.
“That is something we need to look at as a team because we are going to this competition first of all to make sure we stay in the top division, and then we won one game last year, so this time we are pushing to see how many games we can win,” he added.
Uganda will begin their campaign against hosts Kenya before facing South Africa and Madagascar, respectively.
The Lady Cranes head into the tournament carrying fond memories from Kenya, where they previously reached the final of the Safari 7s and the semifinal of the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s, losing to Kenya on both occasions.
Uganda’s squad for the tournament includes captains Angella Nanyonjo and Doreen Sijali alongside experienced players such as Fazira Namukwaya, Leona Acen, Peace Nemira, Christine Akello, and Grace Nabaggala.
The team will be led by head coach Muhammad Athiyo, who recently concluded a successful nine-year spell at Heathens Rugby Club.
During his tenure between 2016 and 2025, Athiyo guided Heathens to five league titles, three Uganda Cups, and a National 7s Series crown while overseeing unbeaten league campaigns and a treble-winning season in 2024.
Athiyo takes over from Onen, who successfully guided the Lady Cranes through qualification from Division II and helped them retain their place in Division I.
He will be assisted by Kigongo Ssebalamu and Byron Okuba, while Dorcus Mundua Asiimire serves as team manager.