King of Alur Says Champions Have “Flown Uganda’s Flag High” and Inspired the Nation’s Youth
Kampala, October 29, 2026 – The Alur Kingdom has joined the growing chorus of congratulations for the She Cranes and Netball Uganda, praising the national team’s victory at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup as a moment of pride for the entire country.
In an official congratulatory message issued by Ker Alur, His Royal Majesty Ubimu Philip Olarker Rauni III, the King of Alur, saluted the players, technical team and federation for what he described as a historic achievement, and said the Kingdom was joining the nation in celebrating the win.
“You have flown Uganda’s flag high and made the entire nation proud,” the King said in the message. “Your hard work, discipline, and patriotism are an inspiration to all young people.”
Speaking on behalf of the Alur Kingdom and in his personal capacity, His Royal Majesty extended his congratulations to the team, addressing them simply as “our Champions.”
A Victory That Resonates Beyond the Court
The King’s message comes weeks after the She Cranes dethroned defending champions South Africa 56-53 in a thrilling final at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi on September 26, completing an unbeaten run through the tournament. Uganda swept past Nigeria, Zambia, Kenya and Malawi in the group stage before overcoming Namibia in the semi-finals and then edging the SPAR Proteas in the decider, avenging their heavy defeat to the same opponents in the 2025 final.
The triumph has drawn tributes from across the country, and the message from Ker Alur underlines how far the team’s success has travelled, beyond the netball community and into the nation’s cultural institutions. By singling out discipline, hard work and patriotism, the Kingdom’s message points to the values that have underpinned the She Cranes’ rise, and to the example they set for young Ugandans, particularly girls looking to follow them into sport.
A Season of Recovery and Reward
The Africa Netball Cup title crowns a year of significant progress for Netball Uganda. The federation regained its National Council of Sports Certificate of Recognition after the governance reforms that followed the 2023 crisis, and was confirmed among the few national federations to fully meet the compliance requirements of the National Sports Act. On the court, the She Cranes also represented Uganda at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing sixth.
With qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney already secured, the continental title means Uganda will travel to Australia as reigning African champions.
Netball Uganda has thanked the Alur Kingdom for the kind words and for its support of the sport, and says messages of goodwill such as this will continue to motivate the team as preparations for the global showpiece begin.
OFFICIAL CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM KER ALUR KINGDOM.
CONGRATULATIONS, SHE CRANES AND NETBALL UGANDA! Ker Alur - Alur Kingdom joins the nation in celebrating your historic victory at the 2026 Africa Netball Cup. You have flown Uganda's flag high and made the entire nation proud. Your hard work, discipline, and patriotism are an inspiration to all young people. On behalf of the Alur Kingdom and on my own behalf, I congratulate you, our Champions! His Royal Majesty Ubimu Philip Olarker Rauni III The King of Alur
