Uganda Women's Rugby 2025: Lady Cranes Go After Their World Cup Dream

Uganda women’s rugby 2025 is a defining moment in African rugby because it combines tradition with transformation. The Lady Cranes have a clear goal: to qualify for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup and show that their dominance on the continent isn’t just a moment, it’s a new era.

Road to the Africa Cup: Perfect in São Paulo

Uganda booked their place in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup after a sensational run at the 2023 Division 1 Championship held in São Paulo, Ivory Coast. The Lady Cranes left no doubt, recording:

• 27–11-win vs Tanzania
• 32–0-win vs Ivory Coast
• 65–7 win in their final group match

It wasn’t just a qualification campaign. It was a demolition job. Uganda didn’t scrape through, they sent a message to the rest of Africa: We’re coming for the Cup.

Tactical Growth Under Pressure

“There was pressure, real pressure,” head coach Charles Onen spoke about. “Tanzania and Zimbabwe pushed hard, and we needed every ounce of focus.”

But under Onen, the team embraced the pressure. They improved with each matchday:

• Set pieces tightened
• Defensive lines sharpened
• Backline pace maximized

Star winger Peace Lekuru emerged as the breakout player, constantly breaking lines and creating scoring opportunities.

Uganda Women’s Rugby on the Rise

The victory lifted Uganda in the World Rugby rankings, jumping five places to 34th. More than numbers, it signaled a mental shift. The Lady Cranes are no longer outsiders.

Coach Onen is cautious but optimistic: “South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya, these are well-drilled teams. But we’re not here to make up the numbers anymore.”

Matchday Highlights: Statement Wins

Uganda’s performance in the opening rounds of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup has continued their momentum:

• April 11: Uganda 27–11 Tunisia
• April 14: Uganda 52–0 Côte d’Ivoire
• April 17: Uganda 63–7 Zimbabwe

Each match saw the team grow in confidence and execution. The final game was not just a win; it was a declaration.

Core Leaders: Who Makes This Team Tick?

The spine of the team is now clear:

• Captain Angela Nanyondo: Calm under pressure
• Peace Lekuru: Explosive pace
• Yvonne Najjuma: Locking down the scrum
• Patience Atyang: Midfield control and defensive leadership

Why Uganda Women’s Rugby 2025 Matters More Than Ever

Women’s Rugby 2025 isn’t just a tournament phase. It took ten years of rebuilding, investing, and believing to get here. It means:

• More fans
• Support from the government and unions
• Ways for young girls to dream big

A Familiar Face: The Kenya Rivalry

Not many games get people excited like Uganda vs. Kenya. Their last encounter ended in a narrow loss for the Lady Cranes. This year, with improved cohesion and a psychological edge, Uganda sees this as the matchup that could define their campaign.

Training & Preparation

Preparations in Kampala are in full swing. The Uganda Rugby Union announced that the team structure will remain unchanged. The union will release an updated training schedule after the games and venues are determined.

Historical Context: Uganda Women’s Rugby Journey

The women’s rugby program in Uganda gained prominence during the late 2000s. The network of teams has grown, from small clubs to college leagues. But the program really changed in the last five years:

• 2019: Regional breakthrough at Elgon Cup
• 2021: Rebuild after the pandemic by bringing in new talent
• 2023: The best team in the Division 1 Championship

What Makes the Lady Cranes Different?

• Fitness: Onen’s training plans emphasize endurance and recovery.
• Unity: Veteran leadership has built a resilient locker room.
• Game IQ: In-match adaptability is now a strength.

Where They Stand Globally

Jumping to 34th in the world is just the beginning. With another strong showing at the Africa Cup, Uganda could break into the top 30,and with it, grab the attention of global scouts and sponsors.

Upcoming Fixtures: What’s Next?

While the final venue is pending, the Lady Cranes are expected to face:

• Kenya
• South Africa
• Madagascar

Each fixture will be a war of attrition and a test of tactical maturity.

How to Support the Lady Cranes

You can support Uganda women’s rugby no matter where you are in the world or in Kampala:

• Check the Uganda Rugby Union website for fixtures
• Stream matches when you can
• Share your team’s stories on social media
• Use the hashtag #LadyCranes2025 to show your support

The Bigger Picture: What Uganda Stands to Gain

A spot in the 2025 World Cup would:

• Make women’s rugby more visible
• Bring in more money and scholarships
• Make Uganda known around the world as a rising rugby power

A Team Reborn

Uganda women’s rugby 2025 is a sign of hope, hard work, and pride. The Lady Cranes have already shown that they can compete on the biggest stage in Africa. Now they look past it.

They don’t just want to pass.

They want to be in the race. To fight. To win.