Uganda’s Women’s Sevens coach Charles Cyphus Onen has unveiled an 18-player provisional roster for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Championship in Nairobi, a selection built around cohesion and seasoned campaigners as the Lady Cranes aim to improve on last year’s podium finish.
The continental showpiece, scheduled for November 15–16 at RFUEA Grounds, will pit Uganda against Africa’s elite, including perennial powerhouse South Africa and host nation Kenya.
Onen has largely kept faith with the group that reached the Safari 7s final, while reintegrating a handful of players who were absent from that tournament.
The headline grabber is the return of former captain Peace Lekuru. The powerful back-rower, who has been competing in England’s Betfred Women’s Super League with York Valkyrie after switching codes to rugby league last year comes back having impressed overseas, not only with a stream of tries but also with a Try of the Season nomination.
Her physical presence and leadership qualities are expected to reinforce Uganda’s forwards alongside Yvonne Najjuma, Fazira Namukwaya, Lydia Namabiro and Grace Nabaggala.
Whether Lekuru will resume the armband or serve as a senior mentor to current skipper Agnes Nakuya and vice-captain Lydia Namabiro remains undecided, but her arrival has already buoyed spirits within the camp. “We have a group that understands each other well,” Onen said following the Safari 7s, underlining the emphasis on familiarity and collective understanding.
With no major injury concerns and confidence high after their recent runner-up finish, the Lady Cranes are quietly optimistic about cracking the top two, and perhaps mounting an audacious challenge for the title — when action begins in Nairobi.
Provisional Squad
Agnes Nakuya (Captain), Lydia Namabiro (Vice-Captain), Yvonne Najjuma, Fazira Namukwaya, Suzan Adong, Grace Nabaggala, Juliet Nandawula, Sandra Lona Amoli, Tina Akello, Comfort Anganyika, Racheal Mufuwa, Janat Nandudu, Samiya Ayikoru, Maimuna Nassozi, Nambozo Mastula, Peace Lekuru, Unity Namulala, Esther Tino.
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