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After a six-month absence from international competition, Uganda’s national senior netball team, the She Cranes, are set to make a return to the global arena.

The United Kingdom has invited the team to participate in the prestigious Celtic Netball Cup, scheduled for November 26–30 at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.

The tournament promises thrilling action, featuring six nations: Wales, Uganda, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Conceived by Netball Northern Ireland, Netball Scotland, and Wales Netball, the Celtic Cup will follow a round-robin format, ensuring that every match carries weight in the race for the championship.

The She Cranes’ inclusion has sparked excitement among team officials. Jocelyn Ucanda, President of Netball Uganda, expressed her enthusiasm: “We are super excited about the She Cranes’ inclusion in the Celtic Cup.

Competing in such tournaments helps us maintain team cohesion and competitiveness. Given its impact on our world ranking, this is a vital opportunity to begin our campaign to reclaim sixth place globally.”

Ucanda also highlighted the tournament’s strategic importance in preparing for major upcoming events.

“With the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2027 Netball World Cup on the horizon, participating in the Celtic Cup will be instrumental in fine-tuning our squad,” she added.

The presence of three African nations alongside three Celtic teams makes the tournament a truly intercontinental affair. This mix of established and emerging sides is expected to elevate the competition’s intensity, with each match contributing directly to the final standings.

For fans, the Celtic Cup offers a rare chance to witness high-level netball as teams from diverse backgrounds and rankings converge in pursuit of the coveted title. The format guarantees drama, with every fixture playing a crucial role in the championship outcome.

The She Cranes’ last international appearance was in February at the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup, held at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England. With renewed focus and determination, the team is eager to seize this opportunity to sharpen their edge and climb the global rankings once again.