Grass to Gold Secures Kampala Site for New Netball Uganda High-Performance Centre
According to the World Netball 🖊
A new world-class netball facility is set for Kampala after Australian foundation Grass to Gold secured a site for what will become Netball Uganda’s official home. Announced on July 1, 2026, the project aims to bridge grassroots development and elite performance under one roof.
The name “Grass to Gold” reflects the foundation’s five-year partnership with Netball Uganda. During that time it has worked with the Ministry of Education and Sports to map school netball programmes, and developed coaching and officiating frameworks. The focus has been on blending sport, community, and education to create opportunities for girls across the country.
The new Kampala centre will feature international-standard netball courts to serve as Uganda’s high-performance training base, with the capacity to host international series. Alongside the courts, a business innovation hub is planned to make the facility financially self-sustaining. At grassroots level, the centre will host local school competitions to identify and nurture young talent.
Education is a core pillar of the plan. Through new Education and Sport programmes, Grass to Gold will target girls aged 5 to 16, combining netball skill development with classroom sessions on self-confidence, health, and leadership. A scholarship programme will also support families to help girls re-enter and stay in school.
Over the next two years, the foundation will roll out the programmes in targeted schools nationwide while also supporting the She Cranes ahead of major tournaments, including the Netball World Cup Sydney 2027.
Paul Mugambwa, Co-founder and Director of Grass to Gold, said: “We have personally seen the amazing outcomes that sport can generate for many people, extending far beyond the playing courts in terms of education, employment, self-confidence and community harmony. Our aim is to utilise the power of netball to truly transform the lives of women and young girls in Uganda and beyond.”
The foundation is currently finalizing the design phase for the Kampala centre.