She Cranes star player Margaret Baagala has joined Uganda Netball Super League champions Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) netball club as a free agent.
She leaves the National Insurance Corporation (NIC) after several years of success. The mid-court player has reportedly penned down a two-year contract with the Nakivubo Blue-based KCCA in what is a major coup for KCCA.
KCCA recently beat NIC to the league title, ending 42 years of waiting. As if to confirm their superiority over the insurers, the reigning champions collected maximum points from their ach-rivals (NIC).
In May, 2025, NIC swept KCCA aside (53-38) to win the East Africa Netball Club Championship in Zanzibar to extend their dominance to 24 titles. In 2022, NIC signed KCCA defender/ midfielder Sandra Nambirige, who was one of the KCCA’s most dependable players.
So, Baagala’s move to KCCA obviously will increase the tension between the two top netball sides.
“I have brought creativity, leadership and a strong work ethic to drive the team forward,” said the 23-year-old when I reached out to her on phone.
Baagala has been a key centre player at NIC, and her departure will leave a void for the Insurers. At NIC, the utility midfielder stood out for her creativity and intensity, which made her a mainstay at both the club and the national team.
Today, Baagala and a couple of players like Mary Nuba, Shadia Nassanga, Lillian Achola, Shaffie Nalwanja, Gloria Ayaa and Farida Kadondi form the cream of the She Cranes.
FORMATIVE YEARS
Born 23 years ago to George William Kivumbi and Betty Nakacwa of Kasubi, Baagala went to Kawala Primary School and later joined Kakungulu Memorial School, where she played netball.
She later joined her sister Norah Lunkuse at St Mary’s Kitende, the school which produced top netballers like Mary Numba, Joan Nampungu, Sandra Nambirige, Irene Eyaru and Prevas Kayeny.
At Kitende, Baagala showcased her unquestionable talent and became one of the most dependable players who turned the school into a sports powerhouse. Kampala University wooed her to join and pursue a bachelor’s degree in mass communication.
Fred Mugerwa, who was handling both St Mary’s Kitende and KCCA netball side, tried to sign Baagala to his club, but the diminutive player opted for NIC, where she has played an integral role which has seen them dominate locally and regionally.
Under the tutelage of Vincent Kiwanuka, Baagala blossomed into one of the country’s finest in her position, a remarkable athlete who could both win the ball and distribute it effectively to her shooters.
SHE CRANES CALLING
In 2021, then She Cranes coach Mugerwa summoned her to the side. She featured in the 2021 Pent series in Namibia and the Africa Netball Championship in November the same year.
She was also part of the team that played in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where the She Cranes finished fifth overall. In November 2022 during the Fast5 series in New Zealand, Baagala was picked as `best player’ in the match against Jamaica.
` Her talent was again on full display at the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa, where Uganda finished fifth overall after defeating top contenders South Africa and Trinidad and Tobago.
In the match against Singapore, Baagala played her heart out and emerged as best player. In 2024, at the Africa Netball Championship hosted by Namibia, Baagala was voted the best overall mid-court player.
At the 2025 Celtic Netball Cup in Scotland, Baagala was named the best player in the match against Northern Ireland as Uganda went on to win the trophy.
She is now taking her consistent performance to KCCA, a club which is dominated by She Cranes players and top prospects such as Shadia Nassanga, Mercy Batamuliza, Christine Nakitto, Shaffie Nalwanja, Brenda Nakazibwe, Annet Najjuka, Immaculate Natasha and Flavia Kitimbo, among others.
Who knows, her crossing to KCCA might be the beginning of a journey which might end NIC’s 20-year dominance.
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