Uganda’s national women’s football team has officially kicked off its journey toward the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup after head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes named a provisional squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
The Queens Cranes will face Zambia in a two-legged tie that will determine who progresses to the next phase of qualification. Uganda will enjoy home advantage in the opening leg, scheduled for February 7, 2026, at FUFA Stadium in Kadiba, before traveling to Zambia for the return fixture on February 14.
With the stakes high, Botes has assembled a 32-player squad to begin intensive preparations. The players are expected to report on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at FUFA House in Mengo early in the morning before relocating to the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru for a residential training camp.
The early start to preparations underlines the technical team’s intent to build cohesion, sharpen tactics and ensure the team is fully ready for what promises to be a demanding encounter. Victory over Zambia would keep Uganda’s World Cup dream alive and mark another important step in the growth of women’s football in the country.
The squad in full:
Goalkeepers:
Nakirya Lillian (St. Noa Girls), Adeke Angella (Amus College WFC), Nambuya Josephine (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Chebet Charity ( Uganda Martyrs Ladies WFC)
Defenders:
Natooro Desire Katisi (Kenya Police Bullets FC -Kenya), Anomo Barbara (St. Noa Girls), Namboozo Hasifah Patricia (Makerere University WFC), Nambozo Zabinah (Amus College WFC), Nanyanzi Patricia Nakato (Rines SS WFC), Babirye Martha (El Cambio), Babirye Patricia (Bunya SSC), Kadondi Ritah (UCU Lady Cardinals FC), Atyeronimungu Vicky (Amus College WFC), Katusiime Charity (Amus College WFC)
Midfielders:
Nolla Angella (Great Falls Reston Girls –USA), Nabukenya Agnes (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Namutebi Krusum (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Kasemire Imelda (St. Noa Girls), Najjuma Shamusa (Kampala Queens WFC), Nayiga Patricia (St. Noa Girls), Kisakye Dorcus (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Wandera Dorine (Amus College WFC), Nalumu Sumaya (Kampala Queens WFC), Muduwa Peace (Kampala Queens WFC), Kasango Shakirah (St. Noa Girls FC), Phionah Arach (Rines SS WFC), Auki Angel Kigongo (Uganda Martyrs WFC), Mungutimu Sherinah (Boniconsili Girls FC)
Strikers:
Kabene Sylvia (Herbernian FC – Malta), Katono Mary (She Corporate FC), Nalukwago Yasmeen (Rines SS WFC), Nakintu Nusulah (Uganda Martyrs WFC)
Team Officials
Sheryl Ulanda Botes- Head Coach
Ahumuza Collins- 1st Assistant Coach
Nantumbwe Sharifah- 2nd Assistant Coach
David Ribeiro- Goalkeeper coach
Sebuliba George-Goalkeeper coach
Sefika Pelin Bal-Sports Scientist
Nsubuga Allan Magunda- Video Analyst
Nkata Moses- Sorts Scientist
Kabatalindwa Mable- Team Doctor
Nkuya Jackline- Physiotherapist
Namusisi Joan –Team Manager
Nakiguba Cissy Gaudensia-Equipment Manager
Namutebi Aminah- Team Media Officer
