By Daniel Nyeko
The She Cranes concluded their strong run at the 2025 Celtic Cup with a commanding 70-48 victory over defending champions Welsh Feathers on Sunday, November 30, sealing Uganda’s first Celtic Cup title.
Wales threatened early, taking a four-point lead in the opening stages, but the She Cranes settled quickly and closed the first quarter up 17 to 12. They controlled the tempo in the second quarter, outscoring the Feathers 19 to 15 to take a 36 to 27 lead into halftime.
Uganda kept their foot down after the break, scoring steadily to stretch the advantage to 54-40. The key moment came when head coach Rashid Mubiru introduced Lillian Achola for Malisera Akello in mid court.
Achola’s presence brought fluency to Uganda’s attack, easing the load on playmaker Margaret Baagala and allowing the team to grow in confidence.
Uganda then produced their most dominant spell in the final quarter, outscoring Wales 16 to 8 to close out the match 70 to 48. Mary Nuba was named player of the match.
Stand in captain and goal shooter Mary Cholhok Nuba delivered a standout performance, scoring 54 goals with an impressive 96.4 percent accuracy. Her conversion made the difference in Uganda’s scoring return.
Uganda created more scoring chances with 77 attempts compared to Wales’ 55, highlighting their mid court command and defensive pressure, which forced turnovers for the Feathers. Rising star Shadia Nassanga Ssegujja claimed the tournament MVP award, underlining her growing influence in midcourt
Shooting Stats:
Uganda
Mary Cholhok Nuba 54 of 56, Irene Eyaru 16 of 21
Wales
Georgia Rowe 39 of 43, Phillipa Yarranton 9 of 12
Uganda Results
Uganda She Cranes 65 to 38 Namibia Desert Jewels
Uganda She Cranes 72 to 46 Northern Ireland Warriors
Uganda She Cranes 53 to 51 Scottish Thistles
Uganda She Cranes 67 to 54 Zimbabwe Gems
Uganda She Cranes 70 to 48 Welsh Feathers
The She Cranes now shift focus to the 2025 Africa Netball Cup set for December 8 to 14 in Lilongwe, Malawi at the Griffin Saenda Sports Complex.
The event doubles as a qualifier for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, Australia, as Netball Australia will use it as part of its centenary celebrations.
Uganda lost last year’s final to the Spar Proteas of South Africa by a 65 to 50 margin, a result influenced by a two year break in the Uganda Netball Super League.
