Uganda Elite Women’s Lacrosse League set to make history in 2026

Uganda’s Women’s Lacrosse is set for a major boost in 2027 with the launch of the Uganda Elite Women’s Lacrosse League, a new competition designed to give the country’s top female players a regular platform to compete, develop and prepare for international assignments.

The inaugural league will feature six teams — Makerere University Business School (MUBS), Makerere University Lacrosse Club, Kyambogo University Lacrosse Club, Uganda Prisons Vikings, Metropolitan International University Lacrosse Club and Angels Lacrosse Club.

Unlike a traditional full-sided competition, the league will be played in the sixes format, creating a fast-paced and highly competitive environment that is expected to test players’ fitness, creativity, decision-making and technical ability.

Another key feature of the new competition is that the outings will be hosted by the participating clubs and institutions on a rotational basis. This approach will allow teams to showcase their programmes on home ground while giving supporters in different locations an opportunity to watch elite women’s lacrosse.

A new platform for Women’s Lacrosse

Uganda Lacrosse Association Development Director Lillian Namaganda says the league is an important step towards creating a stronger domestic structure for female players.

The Elite Women’s Lacrosse League is a significant milestone for the development of women’s lacrosse in Uganda. We want our players to have regular, quality competition where they can improve their skills, gain experience and compete for places on the national team.

Lillian Namaganda, Uganda Lacrosse Association Development Director

She added that the sixes format will allow players to develop qualities that are increasingly important in modern lacrosse.

The rotating hosting arrangement is also expected to strengthen the involvement of clubs and institutions in organising and promoting the women’s game.

Atim: Competition will raise the standard

Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA) Vice President Ruth Atim believes the new league will provide a valuable pathway for talent development while raising the standard of domestic competition.

This league gives our women a platform to compete consistently and demonstrate what they can do. The sixes format will demand speed, fitness, teamwork and quick decision-making, while the different hosting venues will help take the competition closer to the supporters.

Atim Ruth, Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA) Vice President

According to Atim, the long-term ambition is to build a sustainable competition that can produce players capable of competing for Uganda on the regional and international stage.

Players to watch in 2027:

With six teams entering the competition, several players will be expected to attract attention during the inaugural season.

Tushemerirwe Ruth — MUBS

Makerere University Business School will be looking to Ruth Tushemerirwe as one of its key players. Her performances will be closely watched as MUBS seeks to establish itself among the leading sides in the new league.

The fast nature of the sixes game could provide Tushemerirwe with an opportunity to showcase her ability in a competition where every possession and attacking opportunity could prove decisive.

Atuhiire Noame — Angels Lacrosse Club:

For Angels Lacrosse Club, Atuhiire Noame is one of the players expected to carry much of the attention.

As Angels prepares to host league outings alongside the other participating teams, Noame will have the opportunity to perform in front of home supporters while helping the club compete against some of Uganda’s leading university and institutional teams.

Flavia Nabadda — Kyambogo University:

Flavia Nabadda is another name to watch when Kyambogo University takes to the field.

Kyambogo will be aiming to make a strong impression in the inaugural campaign, and Nabadda is expected to play an important role in the university’s challenge for honours.

Clubs to take centre stage

The decision to have different clubs and institutions host league outings is expected to add another dimension to the competition.

Rather than having all matches concentrated at one venue, the rotational hosting model will give participating teams a chance to organise an outing and engage their own communities.

It could also help increase visibility for women’s lacrosse, attract new supporters and encourage institutions to invest further in the sport.

The six participating teams will therefore have responsibilities both on and off the field as they work to make the new league successful.

Sixes format brings a different challenge

The sixes format is expected to make the league particularly exciting for spectators.

With fewer players on the field, the game places a premium on speed, individual skill, quick passing, movement and rapid transitions. Teams will need to adapt quickly, while players will be required to contribute both offensively and defensively.

For coaches, the format will provide an opportunity to test tactical approaches and develop players who can perform under pressure.

A league with a bigger purpose

Beyond the race for the inaugural championship, the Uganda Elite Women’s Lacrosse League is intended to become a major pillar in the development of the women’s game.

The participation of MUBS, Makerere University and Kyambogo University strengthens the role of university sport in the development pathway, while Uganda Prisons, Metropolitan International University and Angels Lacrosse Club bring additional institutional and club experience.

For the Uganda Lacrosse Association, the 2027 season will be about more than crowning a champion. It will be about creating opportunities, discovering new talent and building a sustainable competition structure for women.

With six teams, rotating hosting duties and the fast-paced sixes format, the inaugural season promises to give Ugandan women’s lacrosse a competition worthy of the growing talent within the sport.

And with players such as Tushemerirwe Ruth, Atuhiire Noame and Flavia Nabadda among those expected to attract the spotlight, the 2027 Uganda Elite Women’s Lacrosse League could provide the stage for a new generation of stars to emerge.