Joan Nampungu: Former She Cranes captain shining in England with Trafford Netball Club

By Emmanuel Sekago

Netball continues to be a sport that proudly lifts Uganda’s flag on the international stage. Today, Wallnetnews is thrilled to reveal that former She Cranes captain, Joan Nampungu, has joined Trafford Netball Club, an English team competing in the North West Championship division.

Nampungu, who once led Uganda’s national team with distinction, now plays professionally alongside the likes of Rae Williams, Maria Makin, Izzy English, and Alex Boughey, strengthening Trafford’s formidable defensive lineup for the 2024-2025 season.

Born on November 11th, 1998, to Mr. Saazi Cosia Ssebakijje and Mrs. Aminah Najjuma, Nampungu has built a stellar career as one of the top defenders of her generation. A former student at St. Mary’s Kitende and Nkumba University, she previously played for Police Netball Club before joining National Insurance Corporation (NIC) Netball Club, where she solidified her reputation as an elite defender.

Her journey to international recognition began early, representing Uganda at the U18 level while still in Senior Four. She later graduated to the U21 team in 2016 and was promoted to the senior She Cranes squad in 2018. Since then, she has represented Uganda in numerous prestigious tournaments, playing in the goal defense (GD) and goalkeeper (GK) positions.

Nampungu’s impressive resume includes participation in the 2018 Commonwealth Games, the 2019 Netball World Cup, African Netball Championships, Youth Netball Championships, and the FISU University Netball Championship.

Her skill and leadership have not gone unnoticed—she was voted Sports Person of the Month in March 2021 at the ForteBet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards. Nampungu was also named Best Defender in the Spar Challenge International Tri-Series.

Her list of achievements in netball is extensive; 2014: Gold Medal, U18 (Botswana), 2016: Bronze Medal, U21 World Cup (Botswana), 2018: Gold Medal, Africa Nations Championship (Zambia), 2018: Gold Medal, FISU University Netball Championship (Uganda), 2019: World Cup Qualifier (England), 2019: Bronze Medal, Africa Cup (South Africa) and 2022: Commonwealth Games (Birmingham).

At the school level, she helped St. Mary’s Kitende to five national championship titles and six East Africa Championship titles. At the club level, she achieved four national titles and two national league titles with National Insurance Corporation, alongside an East Africa Championship title.

Nampungu’s individual accolades include being named Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) Player of the Year in 2016, Best Defender at the East Africa Championship in 2017, and Real Stars Monthly Award winner in March 2021.

Now, Joan Nampungu stands tall as the fifth Ugandan She Cranes player to play professionally in England, further solidifying her legacy as one of Uganda’s brightest netball stars. Her journey from a young girl with dreams to an international professional athlete is a testament to her dedication, talent, and love for the sport.