She Cranes finished sixth at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland after losing 54-62 to South Africa in the fifth-place playoff on Friday.
After missing out on the semifinals following third-place finishes in their respective groups, the two African netball giants were forced to battle for fifth place in the classification match.
Coach Rashid Mubiru started with Mary Nuba, Shadiah Nassanga, Rachael Nanyonga, Margaret Baagala, Shaffie Nalwanja, Gloria Ayaa and Hanisha Muhammad, and Uganda made a bright start by taking the opening quarter 17-12.
However, the SPAR Proteas responded strongly in the second quarter, winning it 20-11 to take a 32-28 lead into halftime.
Uganda struggled to regain control after the break and entered the final quarter trailing by seven goals.
South Africa held their nerve despite a late push from the She Cranes, who reduced the deficit to six goals at one stage.
Nuba was Uganda’s standout performer with 44 goals, while Nassanga contributed 20 in the losing effort.
The result will come as a disappointment for Uganda Netball, especially after the She Cranes defeated South Africa at this same stage during the 2022 Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Netball World Cup.
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