The year 2025 marks a groundbreaking moment in Uganda’s sporting history, as the national women’s kabaddi team, the She Gradiators, prepares to storm the Africa Women Kabaddi Championship in Nairobi, Kenya. The electrifying atmosphere in Kampala is not for a political rally or a music festival, but for the anticipation surrounding this dynamic team, whose journey from humble beginnings to continental recognition has been nothing short of inspirational.
The She Gradiators’ odyssey began on the rugged school pitches and local club courts where raw talent flourished against all odds. Nalubega Olivia from Eaglets KC emerged as a ferocious raider, while the duo of Nagawa Dorothy and Kirembe Shirat from Kyadondo SS formed an impenetrable defensive wall. The team’s strategic nucleus, Ojil Grace from Kyambogo College School, ensured a formidable game plan. Alongside them, a powerhouse of youthful exuberance—Zalwango Jemimah, Nankumba Rose, Lubango Jovitah, Nalwoga Nahia, and Awori Eunice from St. Barnabas College—brought unparalleled energy to the squad. Natabbi Erinnah and Kiyimba Shasmine, also from Kyadondo SS, displayed steely determination, while Matuga High School’s Nakayongo Shirat reinforced the team’s defense with her unyielding blocks. Veteran player Tuhaise Olivia from Kkungu KC added the composure and wisdom required for high-pressure moments.
Behind their meteoric rise stands their dedicated coach, himself a former kabaddi champion, who recognized the sheer potential within this team of warriors. Training rigorously while juggling academic and personal commitments, the She Gradiators battled not just opponents but also societal norms that dismissed kabaddi as a men’s game. Their grit and resilience shattered those barriers, proving that talent and tenacity know no gender. As they prepared for their departure, Kampala was adorned with posters proclaiming their historic journey, emblazoned with the call to action: “For support and sponsorship, call +256 771 877 125.”
Recognizing the significance of their campaign, esteemed sponsors such as the Bank of India, Tembo ITWS, and SAM Africa Schools stepped in, ensuring the She Gradiators had the resources to compete on equal footing. Their sponsorship logos, prominently displayed, were not just endorsements but symbols of belief in the indomitable spirit of Uganda’s women athletes. The nation, now united in fervent support, understood that these young women were not just playing a sport; they were challenging conventions and redefining possibilities.
As they boarded the bus bound for Nairobi, the She Gradiators carried with them more than just their jerseys and gear—they bore the weight of a nation’s pride and aspirations. Their journey is no longer just about victory on the court; it is about inspiring the next generation of female athletes, proving that with passion, resilience, and unwavering support, the boundaries of possibility are limitless. The She Gradiators are not just competitors—they are pioneers, ready to etch Uganda’s name in the annals of African kabaddi history.
