Uganda Lady Cranes have written a new chapter in their women’s rugby history after winning the 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens title, defeating Tunisia 33–0 in Sunday’s final at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi to secure the continent’s qualification ticket to the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition.

The Ugandans completed an impressive tournament campaign with a convincing victory over Tunisia, capping a day that had already seen them overcome hosts Kenya Lionesses in a dramatic semi-final. Their continental triumph also earns them the opportunity to compete at the HSBC SVNS 3 tournament in Dubai, where they will carry Africa’s hopes on the international stage.

The final belonged to Uganda from the opening exchanges. Lydia Namabiro delivered an outstanding individual performance, scoring three tries to complete a hat-trick and put Tunisia’s defence under constant pressure. Racheal Mufuwa and Gertrude Kateesa also contributed tries as the Lady Cranes secured a comprehensive 33–0 victory.

The result confirmed Uganda’s status as continental champions and rewarded a team that had demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the competition.

Captain Peace Lekuru was another major figure in Uganda’s success, earning the Finals MVP award in recognition of her influence during the decisive stages of the tournament. Her leadership was particularly important in the semi-final against Kenya, where she scored the winning try in the final moments to deliver a 19–14 victory for the Lady Cranes.

That result proved decisive in the race for the continental crown, ending Kenya’s hopes of reaching the final and putting Uganda within touching distance of their historic achievement.

Zambia’s Lushomo Mweena also emerged among the tournament’s outstanding performers, collecting two individual awards. She was named both Top Try Scorer and Top Points Scorer, a recognition of her attacking contribution and consistency throughout the competition.

Meanwhile, Kenya Lionesses responded positively to their semi-final disappointment by securing third place with a convincing 27–7 victory over Zimbabwe in the bronze-medal playoff.

The hosts produced a five-try performance to give their home supporters something to celebrate after missing out on the final. Stella Wafula crossed twice, while Nelly Chikombe, Sinaida Mokaya and Kathrine Amonde added a try each to complete Kenya’s scoring. Zimbabwe managed one try through Chiwoniso Mabika, but could not match the Lionesses’ attacking output.

For Kenya, the bronze medal provided a winning conclusion to a tournament that had initially raised hopes of a much bigger achievement. Their campaign included impressive victories over Ghana and Tunisia in the pool stages before a commanding 52–0 quarter-final win against Mauritius.

However, the semi-final against Uganda ultimately became the defining encounter. Having recovered from an early deficit to take a 14–12 advantage, the Lionesses were unable to hold on as Lekuru struck in the closing moments to send Uganda through.

The consequences extended beyond missing out on the championship. Kenya also lost the opportunity to secure Africa’s place in HSBC SVNS 3 and the associated trip to Dubai, alongside the performance-based contracts that had been earmarked for the qualifying team.

Uganda’s triumph, meanwhile, represents a significant breakthrough for the Lady Cranes, who will now turn their attention to testing themselves against international opposition in Dubai.

The 2026 Africa Women’s Sevens therefore closes with Uganda celebrating a historic title, Zambia taking home two individual scoring awards and Kenya earning bronze on home soil. For the Lionesses, there is a medal to show for their efforts, but the missed qualification opportunity will remain the biggest talking point from their campaign.