Uganda Lady Cranes XVs delivered one of their most spirited performances in recent memory, producing a quick first-half display, and scoring three tries in a hard-fought 47-20 defeat to South Africa’s Springbok Women in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup 2026 Performance Division on Wednesday at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.

Coming into the fixture after a difficult outing against Kenya, Uganda responded with intent, confidence, and composure, stunning the South Africans with an explosive start that showcased the growth within the squad. Lady Cranes raced into an early lead and looked every bit the side ready to challenge one of Africa’s rugby powerhouses.

Uganda struck first through Peace Lekuru, who crossed the whitewash after sustained pressure forced South Africa into conceding a penalty. Bushira Namutebi calmly added the extras to hand the Lady Cranes a deserved 7-0 advantage.
The momentum remained firmly with Uganda as Unity Namulala extended the lead in style. Taking advantage of quick ball movement off a penalty advantage, Namulala finished expertly in the corner to send the Lady Cranes into a commanding 12-0 lead. Though the conversion attempt drifted wide, Uganda had announced themselves in emphatic fashion.
However, the Springbok Women gradually found their rhythm, responding with three tries to edge ahead 19-12 as their physicality and experience began to show. Yet Uganda refused to back down.

With South Africa temporarily reduced to 14 players following a yellow card, the Lady Cranes capitalised before halftime. Mastula Nambozo crashed over for Uganda’s third try, narrowing the gap to 19-17 and capping off a brilliant first-half effort that left the contest finely balanced heading into the break.

The second half, however, belonged to the Springbok Women. Using their territorial dominance and superior possession, South Africa tightened control and punished Uganda with four unanswered converted tries to stretch the scoreline beyond reach.
Still, Lady Cranes had the final word when Bushira Namutebi slotted over a late penalty, ensuring Uganda closed the match with 20 points — their highest-ever scoring return against South Africa.

Despite the defeat, the performance offered plenty of positives for Uganda. Lady Cranes showed greater attacking structure, sharper execution at the breakdown, and more direct carrying than in previous outings. Their improved display also saw them double their points tally from the opening-round loss to Kenya, underlining clear progress within the squad.

Another milestone came with the debut of forward Gorret Barbirye, who earned her first cap after coming off the bench. Her introduction means all five debutants in Uganda’s travelling squad have now featured during the tournament, highlighting the team’s investment in building depth for the future.

While South Africa remain atop the Performance Division standings, Uganda will take confidence from a performance filled with courage, attacking intent, and evidence of steady improvement as they turn their focus to finishing the tournament strongly.

Uganda Scorers:
Tries: Peace Lekuru, Unity Namulala, Mastula Nambozo
Conversion: Bushira Namutebi (1)
Penalty: Bushira Namutebi