Uganda Rugby Union has confirmed that the Lady Cranes 7s have officially returned to camp as preparations begin for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s tournament, set for 15th–16th November 2025 at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya.
The team held their first training session on Wednesday at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds under head coach Charles Onen Cyphus, assisted by Kigongo Ssebalamu, and managed by Winnie Atinya.
Coach Onen has maintained the 12 players he travelled with to the Safari 7s, but has also added the players who didn’t make the tournament squad with the 18-player squad in camp consisting of Lydia Namabiro, Samiya Ayikoru, Grace Nabaggala, Rachel Mufuwe, Peace Lekuru, Juliet Nandawula, Tina Akello, Susan Ageno and Nantogoma Matsoola
The rest are Lona Sandra Amoli, Janat Nandawula, Agnes Nakayia, Mayimuna Nassoon, Comfort Agronika, Fazira Namukwaya, Unity Nyamolo, Yvonne Najuma, and Esther Tine.
The Lady Cranes 7s currently hold bronze from the 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s held at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Accra, Ghana a result that qualified them for the 2025 HSBC Challenger Series.
They also put up a strong showing at the 2025 Safari 7s in Nairobi, finishing second after a narrow 14-10 defeat to hosts Kenya Lionesses in the final.
Speaking after the team’s return to camp, Head Coach Charles Onen explained that the final 18-player list was selected from a familiar group due to the limited preparation time.
“These are players that have been around the camp for quite some time,” Onen said. “With the short time that we have, we zeroed down to the final 18 because there isn’t much time to prepare for this tournament.”
A key boost for Uganda is the return of Peace Lekuru and Samiya Ayikoru, whose presence adds both experience and leadership to the side. Lekuru, who has been featuring for York Valkyrie in England’s Betfred Women’s Super League, returns to the national setup after missing recent tournaments.
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“We welcome Peace Lekuru back onto the squad,” Onen added. “She has always put out her best every time she represents the country. She’s that one fighter who always gives her best and provides leadership on the pitch. Her being back is exciting for the team and should be exciting for the nation as well.”
The current training sessions are focused on correcting weaknesses identified during the Safari 7s, with special attention on defensive organisation and attacking structure.
“We are trying to fix our defence, which was a very key thing we needed to do,” Onen explained. “We also want to improve our set-piece and breakdown attack so that by the time we get to Nairobi, we’re ready.”
The Lady Cranes 7s have been drawn in Pool C alongside Zambia and Burkina Faso. They will face stiff competition from continental powerhouses such as South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, and Madagascar.
After a demanding Safari 7s campaign and a long 16-hour journey back home, the squad has regrouped in Kampala with renewed focus and determination.
Uganda will be seeking to build on their recent success as they aim for a strong finish in Nairobi and continue their push for qualification to the global stage through the HSBC Challenger Series.
Uganda Lady Cranes 7s Squad:
Lydia Namabiro, Samiya Ayikoru, Grace Nabaggala, Rachel Mufuwe, Peace Lekuru, Juliet Nandawula, Tina Akello, Susan Ageno, Namubiru Bonato Masitula, Lona Sandra Amoli, Janat Amongen, Agnes Nakyuya, Maimuna Nasson, Comfort Akinyiaga, Fazira Namukwaya, Unity Namutebi, Yvonne Najuma, Esther Tine.
Team Management: Head Coach – Charles Onen, Team Manager – Winnie Atyang, Assistant Coach – Kigongo Ssebaluamu, Team Physio – Mcens Mayeku.
