Uganda’s Parliament Netball Team is targeting a fourth consecutive East African Community (EAC) Inter-Parliamentary Games title despite suffering a 69-34 defeat to KCCA Netball Club in a build-up match as preparations intensify for the 2026 regional games.
The parliamentary side is using the friendly to assess its readiness and integrate new players ahead of the competition scheduled for December 4-16 in Arusha, Tanzania.
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Despite the heavy defeat, team captain Hon. Hope Grania Nakazibwe remains confident that Uganda can maintain its dominance, insisting that the current squad has the quality to defend the title.
Nakazibwe acknowledged that losing some experienced players has affected the team’s composition but believes the newcomers have shown encouraging potential.
“We lost some good team players, but even those who joined us have a very good team in them,” Nakazibwe said.
She added that commitment and consistency in training would be crucial to building a competitive side, despite the demanding responsibilities members of Parliament juggle away from the court.
“As members of Parliament, we have a number of responsibilities that draw our attention from the court, but whenever we get time, we give it our all.
“I want to assure you that the team we have here is totally equal to, or even better than, the one we had last year,” she added.
Head coach Fred Tabale Mugerwa admitted that integrating new players remains a major challenge but said the technical bench is working to establish a cohesive team before the December competition.
According to Mugerwa, the team has trained for a month, with emphasis on developing fundamental skills, footwork, shooting and coordination.
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“So far, we have trained for a month, but the problem is that the majority of these members are new. We are trying to build a new team that will compete in this year’s competition, although it is not easy,” Mugerwa said.
“We are working hard on skills, footwork and shooting, while their fitness is improving every day.”
Meanwhile, Manager of Parliament Sports Teams Hon. Sarah Babirye Kityo has expressed confidence in Uganda’s overall preparations across the different disciplines ahead of the regional showpiece.
Babirye said the teams were in high spirits and that results from build-up matches across the various sports indicated progress.
“Team Uganda is doing well. All the teams are ready and in high spirits, and the results from the friendlies we have had across all disciplines show our improvement. As a manager, I am convinced,” she said.
She also commended the Speaker of Parliament for promoting transparency in the selection of representatives, arguing that competitive selection would strengthen Uganda’s chances of success
“I also thank the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament for the level of transparency he has demonstrated in these games by not hand-picking representatives, but ensuring every team is competitive,” Babirye added.
The 2026 EAC Inter-Parliamentary Games will run from December 4-16 in Arusha, featuring eight sporting disciplines.
Uganda’s parliamentary teams will be seeking another successful campaign, with the netball side particularly determined to extend its winning run to four consecutive titles.