Uganda’s Mary Cholhok Nuba signs with Australia’s Queensland Firebirds: A milestone for Ugandan Netball

By Emmanuel Sekago

Ugandan netball star and former St. Mary’s Kitende student, Mary Cholhok Nuba, has made headlines by signing with the Australian side Queensland Firebirds. The 27-year-old goal shooter, who played a pivotal role in helping Uganda finish fifth in the 2023 Netball World Cup, announced her move on Wednesday. Nuba joins the Firebirds in the Suncorp Super Netball League, one of the most prestigious netball leagues in the world, after an impressive stint with the English Super League (ESL) club Loughborough Lightning.

“I am so excited to be joining the Firebirds. It has always been my dream to play in the best league in the world,”  Known for her exceptional shooting abilities, Nuba has been one of the top performers in England. During the 2023 World Cup in South Africa, she was Uganda’s top scorer, netting 185 goals and helping the team secure a fifth-place finish.

Nuba’s transfer to the Firebirds marks a significant milestone as she becomes the second Ugandan netball player to compete in Australia’s Super Netball League, following in the footsteps of former national team captain Peace Proscovia.
In an interview with Wallnetnews, Fred Mugerwa, the long-serving coach of Uganda’s National Netball team, praised Nuba’s move to Australia:

“Playing in one of the best leagues in the world will be a good ground for Nuba to keep developing as a player. This is a huge step in the right direction for her career and for Ugandan netball as a whole.”
National Pride: “Nuba’s move is a source of pride for Uganda. It shows that our players can compete at the highest levels internationally,” said Hon Sarah Babirye Kityo.

Inspiration for Young Athletes: “Mary’s journey from St. Mary’s Kitende to the world stage is incredibly inspiring for young Ugandan athletes. Her success proves that with hard work and determination, our players can achieve great things,” said Kato Hassan, St Marys Kitende Netball Coach.

Potential for Growth: “This transfer not only benefits Nuba but also puts Ugandan netball on the global map. It opens doors for more players to be scouted by top leagues,” noted a local netball coach.

Mary Cholhok Nuba’s transfer to Queensland Firebirds is a monumental step in her career and a significant achievement for Ugandan netball. As she joins one of the most competitive leagues in the world, her journey will continue to inspire many in Uganda and beyond. Stakeholders and fans alike are eagerly anticipating how this move will impact her development as a player and what it will mean for the future of Ugandan netball.