Uganda Prisons Netball Club

Prisons Netball Club, founded in 1974 and based in Luzira, Kampala, was established under the auspices of the Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) and stands as one of the most successful and historic netball teams in Uganda. What began as a community initiative among prison staff has grown into a formidable force in national and regional netball. Over the decades, the club has embodied discipline and excellence. The turning point came in 2010, when the club underwent a major transformation under the guidance of Retired Principal Officer Imelda Nyongesa, with full backing from the Commissioner General of Prisons. A new generation of young, focused, motivated players was assembled, marking the beginning of a professional era that would reshape the club’s trajectory and stature in Ugandan sport. Since then, the Club has emerged as a powerhouse, dominating both the Uganda Netball Super League and the East African Netball Club Championship. With multiple championship titles to its name, the club has consistently raised the bar in terms of performance, integrity, professionalism, and sportsmanship. Beyond trophies, its true legacy lies in talent development. The club has been a vital pipeline for the national team, the She Cranes, contributing top-tier athletes who have proudly represented Uganda at the Netball World Cup, the Commonwealth Games, and other prestigious global tournaments. Outstanding players such as Mrs. Florence Amono Ogwang (now Assistant Superintendent of Prisons), Stella Oyella, Jessica Achan, Lillian Ajio, Stella Nanfuka, Alicia Wasagali, and Sylvia Nanyonga have all worn the Prisons jersey with distinction and later soared on international platforms, with some securing professional contracts abroad. Today, Prisons Netball Club continues to uphold its proud tradition while evolving to meet modern standards of competitiveness and professionalism. Its influence stretches far beyond the court, symbolizing the Uganda Prisons Service’s commitment to holistic staff development, women empowerment, national pride and corporate social responsibility. Despite fierce competition, particularly from archrivals NIC and KCCA Netball Clubs, Prisons remains determined in its mission to inspire excellence and bring glory to Ugandan netball. – at Zanzibar West, Tanzania

In the upcoming semi-finals, they will face Ugandan rivals KCCA, who are Group A runners-up. NIC's opponent will be confirmed later today, with the final scheduled for Tuesday, May 20. Head Coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan praised the team's versatility, saying, "Resting key players allowed us to test our depth, and everyone delivered. KCCA is a strong side, but we're ready for the semi-finals." – at Zanzibar West, Tanzania

The Prisons Netball Club concluded their Group B campaign in the East African Netball Club Championship 2025 with a convincing 79-30 win over Rwanda’s APR Netball Club. Having already secured a semi-final spot, the Prisons Queens rested key players, showcasing their squad depth and finishing as Group B table leaders. The match saw Prisons assert control from the start, with the first quarter ending 21-6 in their favor. By the second quarter, their lead grew to 41-14. Although APR mounted some resistance in the third quarter, Prisons maintained their dominance, leading 56-25 at the end of the quarter. In the final quarter, they surged ahead to seal a 79-30 victory, with substitutes adding flair to the win. With four consecutive wins, Prisons opted for a rotated lineup to give other players opportunities. The starting lineup featured Stella Nanfuka (GK), Saidah Bulage (GD), Consolate Akumu (WD), Nashim Khadaala (C), Malisera Akello (WA), Hadijah Nakabuye (GA), and Christine Kango Namulumba (GS). Substitutes Sylvia Nanyonga and Joyce Nakibuule maintained the team's high tempo during their time on the court. – at Zanzibar West, Tanzania

The Uganda Prisons Netball Club cemented their place in the semi-finals of the East African Netball Club Championship 2025 with a thunderous 73-43 triumph over Zanzibar’s KVZ on Friday afternoon at a fully packed Amaan Indoor Stadium. The Prisons Queens extended their unbeaten Group B run to four wins, joining fellow Ugandan powerhouses NIC and KCCA in the knockout stage. The match, which threw off at 2:30 PM EAT, saw Prisons don their striking maroon kit with digital yellow and blue stripes, while KVZ wore their green attire. A big-capacity crowd filled the Indoor Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere as Zanzibari fans rallied behind their team. The opening minutes were fiercely contested, with both sides trading goals. In the 12th minute, KVZ capitalized on a defensive error, their goal shooter securing a two-goal lead. The home side won the first quarter 14-13, sending the crowd into a frenzy with chants from the home fans, who booed the visitors. However, Prisons stayed focused, playing with passion and purpose. Prisons regrouped in the second quarter, seizing control with heightened intensity. Despite fierce resistance from KVZ’s evergreen attackers, the Ugandan defense, anchored by Stella Nanfuka, Sharon Pita, and Lillian Ajio, remained unyielding. Christine Kango Namulumba and Dorothy Tabia led the attack with precision, helping Prisons close the quarter at 30-22, an eight-goal advantage. The third quarter saw Prisons extend their lead, with Sylvia Nanyonga replacing Sharon Pita at wing defense. Nanyonga’s introduction proved pivotal, as she disrupted KVZ’s attacking supply line, neutralizing their potent forwards. Joyce Nakibuule and Joan Reykoboth dominated mid-court with versatile runs and pinpoint throws, feeding Kango and Tabia seamlessly. A defining moment came in the 42nd minute when goalkeeper Stella Nanfuka made a world-class save, intercepting a long pass aimed at an unmarked KVZ goal shooter. The crowd rose in a standing ovation, acknowledging her brilliance. Prisons won the quarter 49-33, firmly in control. In the final quarter, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. With the scoreline widening, many KVZ fans left the stadium, while others began cheering Prisons, won over by their creative and dominant play. Substitutes Nashim Khadaala, Tausi Mumena, and Malisera Akello entered the fray, adding to the hosts’ woes. Prisons sealed the 73-43 victory with relentless attacking and airtight defense, booking their semi-final spot. Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown: - First Quarter: KVZ 14, Prisons 13 - Second Quarter: Prisons 30, KVZ 22 - Third Quarter: Prisons 49, KVZ 33 - Final Quarter: Prisons 73, KVZ 43 With a semi-final spot secured, Prisons face APR on Sunday, May 18, at 1:30 PM EAT to complete their Group B campaign. “This win shows our hunger and focus,” said Captain Kango. “We’re ready for the knockout stage and beyond.”

Zanzibar City, May 15, 2025 – The Uganda Prisons Netball Club continued their dominance at the top of Group B in the East African Netball Club Championship 2025, delivering a commanding 73-35 victory over Zanzibar’s Mafunzo on Thursday afternoon at the New Amaan Stadium. Powered by a standout performance from Captain Christine Kango Namulumba and mid-court maestro Joyce Nakibuule, the Prisons Queens stretched their unbeaten run to three wins. Mafunzo, buoyed by passionate home support, started strongly, matching Prisons goal-for-goal in the first eight minutes. However, the tide turned in the 10th minute as Prisons’ relentless pressure and tactical execution created a wide margin. The first quarter ended 21-10 in favor of the Ugandans, with their defense suffocating Mafunzo’s attackers. By the second quarter, Prisons had surged to a 42-20 lead, highlighting fluid mid-court play and clinical finishing. The third quarter saw Prisons tighten their grip, closing at 60-27. In the final quarter, they outscored Mafunzo 13-8 to seal a 73-35 triumph. Head Coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan praised the team’s adaptability: “Mafunzo came out strong, but our players stayed composed and executed our game plan perfectly, especially in the second half.” Christine Kango Namulumba stole the show, scoring an impressive 51 goals to bring her tournament tally to 153 across three games. Joyce Nakibuule, alongside mid-court partners Joan Reykoboth and substitute Nashim Khadaala, delivered pinpoint feeds to keep Kango firing. The starting lineup featured Stella Nanfuka (GK), Sharon Pita (GD), Lillian Ajio (WD), Joan Reykoboth (C), Joyce Nakibuule (WA), Dorothy Tabia (GA), and Kango (GS). Substitutes Nashim Khadaala, Sylvia Nanyonga, Hadijah Nakabuye, Tausi Mumena, and Malisera Akello injected energy, with the teenage debutants continuing to impress. – at Zanzibar West, Tanzania

The Prisons Queens solidified their position at the summit of Group B in the East African Netball Club Championship 2025, delivering a resounding 79-24 victory over Tanzania’s Magereza at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday. This second consecutive win, following their 55-39 triumph over Jeshi Stars on Monday. From the opening throw-off, the Prisons Queens asserted their authority, leaving Magereza, the Tanzanian Prisons side, struggling to keep pace. The first quarter set the tone with a 19-3 scoreline, highlighting their clinical attacking play. By the second quarter, Prisons had extended their lead to 42-9, with seamless coordination in mid-court and precision in the shooting circle. The third quarter saw Prisons further tighten their grip, closing at 60-16. The final quarter was a formality, as the Queens powered to a 79-24 finish, with substitutes injecting fresh energy to seal the rout. Head Coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan praised the team’s focus: “We executed our strategy from start to finish. Every player contributed, and our depth was evident today.” The Prisons Queens fielded a formidable starting lineup: Stella Nanfuka (GK), Sharon Pita (GD), Lillian Ajio (WD), Joan Reykoboth (C), Joyce Nakibuule (WA), Dorothy Tabia (GA), and Captain Christine Kango Namulumba (GS). Substitutes Nashim Khadaala, Sylvia Nanyonga, Hadijah Nakabuye, Saidah Bulage, and Malisera Akello made key impacts, with the teenage debutants—Khadaala, Pita, and Reykoboth—continuing to impress. – at Zanzibar West, Tanzania

Zanzibar City, May 13, 2025 – The Prisons Queens launched their East African Netball Club Championship 2025 campaign in style, securing a commanding 55-39 victory over Tanzania’s Jeshi Stars at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar this afternoon, signaling their intent to claim the regional title with a clinical performance against the Tanzanian military side. Jeshi Stars, known for their contributions to Tanzania’s national team, came out firing with swift runs and high energy in the opening quarter. However, the Prisons Queens, led by Captain Christine Kango Namulumba, held their nerve to edge the first quarter 13-11. The second quarter saw both teams trade blows, with Prisons maintaining a slim lead to close at 26-24. The third quarter remained competitive, with Prisons extending their advantage to 38-32. The game’s turning point came in the final quarter when Head Coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan made tactical substitutions, bringing on debutant Joan Reykoboth, alongside Dorothy Tabia and Joyce Nakibuule in mid-court. The changes sparked a dominant display, as Prisons overwhelmed Jeshi Stars by 14, sealing a 55-39 triumph. In Group A action, Uganda’s KCCA delivered a strong performance, dismantling Zanzibar’s JKU Sports Club 65-26. – at Zanzibar West, Tanzania

The Uganda Netball Super League Defending Champions, Prisons Netball Club arrived in Zanzibar City yesterday evening via Dar Es Salaam aboard the Azam Zan Fast Ferries, ready to compete in the East African Netball Club Championship 2025. The tournament will be hosted at the Magnificent New Amaan Stadium, setting the stage for a week of netball action. The Prisons Queens, led by PRRO David Moses Okiring as Head of Delegation, are determined to claim the regional title after finishing as runners-up in the last two editions. In 2023, they fell to NIC in the final held in Nairobi, and in 2024, NIC once again denied them the crown in Dar Es Salaam. ASP Florence Amono serves as Team Manager, with Elnouredine Kato Hassan as Head Coach, Fred Akena as Media Officer, and Beatrice Rwegyema as Team Doctor. Assistant Coach Lillian Ajio, who also plays, adds versatility to the squad. The team’s roster combines experience and youthful promise. Captain Christine Kango Namulumba leads a talented squad featuring Sylvia Nanyonga, Dorothy Tabia, Stella Nanfuka, Tausi Mumena, Hadijah Nakabuye, Joyce Nakibuule, Saidah Bulage, Conslate Akumu, and Malisera Akello. Bolstering the squad are three teenage debutants—Khadala Nashim, Sharon Pita, and Joan Reykoboth—whose inclusion highlights the team’s focus on nurturing young talent. The 2025 championship features 12 women’s teams split into two groups, A and B. Confirmed teams include Uganda’s Prisons, NIC, and KCCA; Zanzibar’s Zimamoto, Mafunzo, JKU, and KVZ; Tanzania’s Umiajji, Jesh Star, Magereza, and Arusha JiJi; and Rwanda’s APR. In the men’s category, four teams—Uganda’s WOB and Kampala University, Zanzibar’s Zentalent, and TZ Select—will compete in a round-robin format. With two consecutive final losses to NIC, the Prisons Queens are highly motivated to turn the tide. “We’ve learned from the past two finals and have worked hard to strengthen our game,” said Head Coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan. “The team is focused, and our new players bring fresh dynamism to our campaign.” The Magnificent New Amaan Stadium, recently upgraded with a mega capacity and floodlights promises to be a spectacular venue for the tournament. – at Zanzibar West, Tanzania

Congratulations to Uganda Prisons Netball Club on securing 2nd place in the East African Netball Club Championship. Their impressive performance to the sport is truly inspiring.