Uganda’s U17 women’s team is set for a fresh start as head coach Sheryl Botes assembles a new-look provisional squad of 35 players, signalling the beginning of a renewed campaign toward the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.
Rather than dwelling on the disappointment of their previous outing, Botes has shifted focus to rebuilding and recalibrating the team’s competitive edge.
The selected players will report to a short residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru starting Saturday, where the coaching staff will use five intensive days to evaluate talent, chemistry and readiness.
The latest call-up marks Uganda’s return to the qualification scene after a turbulent end to their last journey. The team’s 18–1 demolition of Namibia in the opening round was overshadowed months later when Kenya bundled them out 5–0 on aggregate. This new camp—larger, younger and more experimental—signals an intent to reset the foundation.
With Africa allocated five qualification slots for the 2026 finals, including an automatic place for hosts Morocco, the opportunity is wide open for emerging sides to make their mark. Uganda’s recent celebrations over the Boys’ U17 team’s impressive World Cup exploits have only further fuelled ambition on the women’s side.
FIFA’s decision to award Morocco hosting rights for the next five consecutive editions of the tournament gives East African teams a consistent stage to fight for. For Uganda’s young stars, the long road back begins with this squad of 35—hungry, untested, and ready to write a new chapter.
Squad
Goalkeepers:
Namutebi Kizito Sharifah (Kampala Queens FC), Nabbosa Haira (URA Ladies), Kizza Hawa (St Noa Girls FC), Namuwaya Adam Mayimuna (St Noa Girls FC), Tendo Jemimah Bynum (Rines SS WFC), Ajambo Claire (ISRA Soccer Academy).
Defenders:
Nambuusi Ritah Anitah (Devine Soccer Academy), Babirye Martha (El Cambio Academy), Nakirya Jovia (Rines SS WFC), Dominic Angel (St Noa Girls FC), Aketogwanga Giovanna (St Noa Girls FC), Nabawanuka Belinda Hope (URA Ladies), Mandela Nancy Jude (St Noa Girls FC), Birungi Zainabu (St Noa Girls FC), Atyeronimungu Vicky (Amus College WFC).
Midfielders:
Nakawala Hairat (St Noa Girls FC), Muteesi Dorah Nangobi (St Noa Girls FC), Nalwadda Faith (St Noa Girls FC), Nassaka Brenda (St Noa Girls FC), Nameseruka Lydia (ISRA Soccer Academy), Asanyo Patience (El Cambio Academy), Naigaga Lukiya (Agape SS), Namutebi Grace (Bukedia Comprehensive), Nakalema Rashida (Uganda Martyrs LFC), Kirenga Cynthia (Kawempe Muslim LFC), Nabalazi Tracy (Kawempe Muslim LFC), Acen Immaculate (El Cambio Academy), Mupyanga Halima (Dream Girls Academy), Mutale Jovia (Homeland SS), Ayerango Justine (Rines SS WFC), Nandego Zuena (Rines SS WFC).
Strikers:
Nakintu Nusulah (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga), Nanyunja Kevin (She Kasese FC), Nabirye Shadia (Kawempe Muslim LFC), Nenghamba Biiba (Boni Consilii WFC).
