The Uganda Rugby Union hosted an official flag off ceremony for the Lady Cranes 7s team today afternoon at The Copper Chimney Restaurant, wishing them success at the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens tournament in Nairobi, Kenya.

The event served as a formal farewell for the team, which will depart for Nairobi for the crucial regional qualifier.

The 2025 Africa Women’s Sevens is the 13th edition of this annual tournament. Hosted at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, the competition offers a major prize: the top three teams will qualify for the 2026 World Rugby Challenger Series. The Lady Cranes are building on a strong foundation, having won a bronze medal in the previous tournament. While a top 3 finish is a goal, the Lady Cranes are aiming for the top spot.

The event, attended by Union officials, National Council of Sports representatives and Press served as a powerful rally for the team, and underscoring the growing importance of rugby in Uganda’s sporting landscape.

The team’s final 12-woman squad, announced earlier today by head coach Charles Onen, will be captained by the experienced Agnes Nakuya and managed by Winnie Atyang. Nelson Mayeku will provide physiotherapy support. The team’s last competitive outing was a successful one, where they secured a silver medal at the 2025 Safari 7s in October.

The Vice President Commercial of the Uganda Rugby Union, Hon. Andrew Oulanyah Ojok, delivered the opening remarks, expressing his unwavering belief in the team.

“We are here to wish you the best,” Hon. Ojok stated. “We have one of the best teams in Africa and I am sure this time they will make it further. We thank the government of Uganda for its commitment to sports, and to rugby. He also stated, “We have an unemployment problem in the country but through sports we know that we can employ so many youths. There’s a place for everyone, big, short, large or tall, in rugby” We are here to wish you well and to hand over the flag to you. And remember, when you are out there, you are not Thunderbirds or Avengers or Black Pearls, you are Uganda!”

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Joseph Oluga, the Assistant General Secretary (Admin) of the National Council of Sports (NCS), highlighted the government’s commitment to multi-disciplinary sports development.

“We are no longer a football nation but a sports nation, and many different sports disciplines are making Uganda the talk of the town,” Mr. Oluga said. “We need to push an agenda where government invests, the country benefits, but the players also benefit. The women’s sports used to be in the shadows but now is their time to shine. We want to request that you, the Lady Cranes, become an inspiration to the young girls out there.  Rest assured that Government will always be there to support you.”

URU CEO Isaac Lutwama Nsubuga took to the podium to congratulate Captain Agnes Nakuya on her leadership role and presided over the symbolic handing over of the national flag to the team. He also welcomed back former players Peace Lekuru and Samiya Ayikoru to the squad, noting their valuable experience to the team.

When asked about the team’s prospects, CEO Lutwama pointed to their consistent improvement as a key indicator of success. “If you compare the points they got last year and the points they got recently, you can see the improvement and the fact that they are ready now,” he stated confidently.

The ceremony culminated in a photo session featuring the distinguished panel and the determined 12-woman squad, ready to carry the nation’s hopes to Nairobi.

The entire Ugandan rugby fraternity and the nation at large stand united behind the Lady Cranes. We wish them the very best of luck as they compete in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s and for a place in the 2026 Challenger Series. Go out and make Uganda proud!

Official Lady Cranes 7s Squad for the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens

• Head Coach: Charles Onen
• Assistant Head Coach: Kigongo Ssebalamu
• Team Manager: Winnie Atyang
• Physiotherapist: Nelson Mayeku

Playing Squad:

Follow the Journey!

Stay tuned to all Uganda Rugby Union social media platforms for live updates, scores, and exclusive content from Nairobi as our Lady Cranes chase glory!

#BuiltForMore