Uganda's women's national football team, the Crested Cranes, will begin their Central and East African title defense with a 20-woman roster announced by head coach Sheryl Botes Ulanda. The squad selection comes ahead of the 2025 CECAFA Women's Championship scheduled for June 12-21 at Tanzania's Azam Complex in Chamazi.
As reigning champions following their 2022 triumph on home soil, Uganda enters the tournament seeking consecutive regional crowns. Coach Botes has predominantly selected locally based talent, with Tanzanian club Caesia Queens' midfielder Margret Kunihira being the sole foreign-based exception. The strategic selection emphasizes domestic league form while maintaining regional experience.
Tournament Format and Preparation
The five-nation competition features Uganda alongside hosts Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, and Kenya in a round-robin format where all teams face each other once. The Crested Cranes will convene in Kampala on June 8 before departing for Tanzania on June 10, allowing three days of acclimatization before their opening fixture.
"This tournament represents a crucial development opportunity for our players," stated a team spokesperson. "Facing diverse regional opponents prepares our squad for future continental challenges while allowing us to assess emerging talent under competitive conditions."
Defensive Anchors and Attacking Threats
The goalkeeping duties fall to Kampala Queens FC's Daisy Nakaziro, supported by St. Noa Girls FC's Lillian Nakiirya and Goldstar Ladies FC's Nulu Nakyaze Babirye. Defensive responsibilities will be shared among seven players including Kampala Queens trio Jamilah Nabulime, Zainah Nandede, and Esther Namusoke.
Midfield creativity originates from Kampala Queens' duo Nankwanga Shakirah and Shamirah Nalugya, complemented by Margret Kunihira's international experience. The attacking front features Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC's Jovia Nakagolo alongside Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC's Latifah Nakasi.
Tournament Schedule and Regional Significance
Uganda's championship journey begins June 12 against Burundi, followed by a June 14 clash with South Sudan. Critical matches against Kenya (June 17) and hosts Tanzania (June 19) will likely determine the championship outcome. The condensed format requires squad depth and tactical flexibility with four matches in eight days.
The CECAFA Women's Championship continues to gain prominence as East Africa's premier women's football event, with Uganda's 2022 victory marking a watershed moment for the program. Current preparations indicate heightened regional competitiveness as women's football infrastructure develops across participating nations. Tanzania's hosting duties follow Uganda's successful 2022 organization, demonstrating the tournament's rotational growth strategy.
Full Squad Listing
- Goalkeepers: Daisy Nakaziro (Kampala Queens FC), Lillian Nakiirya (St. Noa Girls FC), Nulu Nakyaze Babirye (Goldstar Ladies FC)
- Defenders: Desire Katisi Natooro (Asubo Ladies FC), Jamilah Nabulime (Kampala Queens FC), Hasifah Patricia Namboozo (Makerere University WFC), Jolly Kobusinge (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Docas Lwalisa (Olila HS WFC), Zainah Nandede (Kampala Queens FC), Esther Namusoke (Kampala Queens FC)
- Midfielders: Nankwanga Shakirah (Kampala Queens FC), Shamirah Nalugya (Kampala Queens FC), Zaina Namuleme (Makerere University WFC), Brenda Munyana (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sumayah Nabuto (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Margret Kunihira (Caesia Queens LFC), Resty Kobusobozi (Lady Doves FC)
- Forwards: Latifah Nakasi (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Sylvia Kabene (St. Noa Girls FC), Jovia Nakagolo (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC)
Tournament Fixtures
- June 12: Uganda vs Burundi
- June 14: South Sudan vs Uganda
- June 17: Kenya vs Uganda
- June 19: Uganda vs Tanzania
Football analysts anticipate intense competition as neighboring nations seek to dethrone Uganda. The Crested Cranes' blend of championship experience and emerging talent creates optimism for another strong tournament showing, potentially elevating Uganda's standing in African women's football ahead of continental qualifiers later this year.
