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The Lady Rugby Cranes will begin their Rugby Africa Cup (RAC) campaign this weekend with a tough test against hosts Kenya in Nairobi on May 23.
Uganda will then face continental giants South Africa on May 27 before concluding their campaign against Madagascar on May 31.
The tournament is expected to provide a major test for Lady Cranes coach Muhammed Athiyo. Uganda finished third at last year’s RAC behind South Africa and Kenya after securing a 24-20 victory over Madagascar. Improving on that finish would mark significant progress for the national side.
As the Lady Cranes prepare for the continental challenge, few people in Ugandan women’s rugby are feeling more fulfilled than Thunderbirds coach Kigongo Ssebalamu.
Ssebalamu guided the Thunderbirds to the women’s league title on Saturday, May 16, after they defeated Jinja-based Nile Rapids 18-5 on the final match-day at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds. The triumph was the reward for three years of rebuilding and hard work.
When Ssebalamu took charge of Thunderbirds in 2023, the club was going through a difficult transition. After dominating the league between 2016 and 2019, several experienced players, including Winnie Atyang, Irene Nzige and Asha Nakityo, were approaching retirement. The team urgently needed regeneration.
“We had to look for young and vibrant talent to return to our old best, where Thunderbirds won four titles in a row,” Ssebalamu said.
The rebuilding process was far from smooth. In one of his first matches in charge, Thunderbirds suffered a humiliating 75-12 defeat to the Black Pearls at Kings Park Arena.
At the time, the Black Pearls were the dominant force in women’s rugby, winning both the 15s and 7s titles from 2021 to 2025. However, throughout those difficult years, Thunderbirds continued investing in emerging talents such as Janat Nandutu, Sarah Nakafeero, Lorna Amoli, Comfort Angayika and Phyllis Apio.
Signs of progress became evident last season. On the final day of the 2025 campaign, Thunderbirds not only defeated the Black Pearls 24-10 but also outplayed them physically and tactically. It was clear the Thunderbirds had become quicker, fresher and fitter.
“Of course, our youth has been a major boost to the team,” Ssebalamu explained.
“There has been an unwavering desire to win at all costs. But at the same time, we have done a lot of gym work, which has improved our overall conditioning throughout the squad.”
One of Thunderbirds’ biggest strengths this season has been squad depth. The team remained competitive despite regularly missing experienced players such as Patricia Anek, Lady Cranes captain Angela Nanyonjo, Samiya Ayikoru, Agnes Nakuya and Yvonne Najjuma.
Even in their absence, the side stayed resilient. Apio, who captained the team for much of the season, has been particularly impressive and is arguably the best flanker in the league.
Ssebalamu credited the club management for ensuring the team had the basics required to succeed. He also praised the Kyadondo management for providing a training ground and the logistical support necessary for the team to thrive.
However, the women’s league was weakened after title rivals Black Pearls and Avengers withdrew because of financial difficulties. Inevitably, their absence reduced competitiveness within the league — something Ssebalamu openly acknowledged.
He believes women’s rugby in Uganda needs greater support if standards and competitiveness are to improve.
Related
, https://observer.ug/sports/thunderbirds-get-reward-for-three-years-of-grind/
