She Cranes begin Commonwealth journey with a diplomatic cheerleader
Chesney joined the team for some playtime and was left impressed by the players’ fitness and quality.
etball Uganda Treasurer Yusuf Kamulegeya, President Jocelyn Ucanda, British High Commissioner Lisa Chesney, She Cranes Captain Racheal Nanyonga, Assistant Coach Ruth Meeme, and Head Coach Rashid Mubiru.
She Cranes preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games officially got underway on Tuesday , 26 May, as British High Commissioner to Uganda, Lisa Chesney, joined the She Cranes during their first training session at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.
Chesney joined the team for some playtime and was left impressed by the players’ fitness and quality.
She said that, as part of promoting the Games, they plan to visit athletes heading to the commonwealth games and share their stories with the public.
“I hope the message everyone gets across Uganda is to get to know your athletes and root for them as they go to Glasgow. Cheer them on even if you are in Kampala or wherever you are,” Chesney said.
Motivated by Chesney’s visit, Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Ucanda described the occasion as the official launch of the She Cranes’ training program ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
“The High Commissioner’s presence has given us a bigger boost, and that is what we needed as we head to the Commonwealth Games. We are excited and hoping for the best performance,” Ucanda explained.
Head coach Rashid Mubiru confirmed that more than 20 players had been summoned for training as the technical team begins assessing fitness levels and squad readiness.
“I am glad that most of the players showed up on the first day. Some are fit because they were in Kenya for the East Africa Netball Club Championship while others are still catching up. Therefore, we are going to concentrate first on fitness. By the end of this week, I will be able to do some assessment,” Mubiru explained.
Uganda is drawn in Group B alongside netball powerhouses New Zealand and Jamaica, as well as Wales, Scotland and Trinidad and Tobago.
Despite the tough group, the She Cranes will be hoping to build on their recent international progress and deliver another strong performance on the Commonwealth stage.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Uganda finished fifth as Australia emerged champions. According to the latest world netball rankings, Uganda is ranked sixth globally and second in Africa behind South Africa.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games slated for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.