Crested Cranes defender Shadia Nankya has completed a move to Le Havre AC Women, becoming the first Ugandan woman to compete in France’s top division, the Première Ligue Féminine.
The tall and experienced defender has signed a one and a half year contract with the French club, marking another historic milestone in her steadily rising career.
Speaking after completing the move, Nankya expressed her excitement. ‘I am very happy to begin this new chapter in my professional career. It is a proud moment for me and for Uganda,’ she said.
Nankya rose to prominence in Uganda featuring for FUFA Women Super League sides Uganda Martyrs High School Lubaga and UCU Lady Cardinals. In 2019, she finished as the FUFA Women’s Cup top scorer despite playing in defence.
She later featured for FC Masar Women in Egypt, earning a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League Best XI in 2024 and helping the club secure a bronze medal finish in 2025.
In February 2025, she became the first Ugandan woman to feature in the National Women’s Soccer League after signing with Washington Spirit in the United States, before gaining further experience on loan at Dallas Trinity FC.
Her latest move to the Première Ligue Féminine sets a new benchmark for Ugandan women’s football and continues to elevate the country’s presence on the international stage.
Ugandan players abroad flying the flag high
Ugandan women’s football continues to grow in stature as a rising number of Crested Cranes players secure opportunities in competitive leagues across Europe, North America, Asia and Africa. The steady movement of Ugandan talent onto the international stage reflects the progress of the domestic game and the expanding pathways available to female footballers.
Bethan Kaluya is currently featuring for London City Lionesses in England, while Fauzia Najjemba plies her trade with Boston Legacy FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. Juliet Nalukenge plays for Atlas FC Femenil alongside fellow Ugandan Sandra Nabweteme who represents Santos Laguna Femenil.
In Denmark, Phiona Nabbumba features for FC Midtjylland Women and Vanessa Karungi plays for FC Nordsjælland Women, while Ritah Kivumbi is based in Sweden with Mallbackens IF. In Egypt, Phiona Nabulime represents FC Masar and Bridget Nabisaalu plays for Modern Sport Women.
Nakayenze Yudaya continues her career in Greece with Rethymniakos WFC, Natasha Shirazi features for Al Amal SC Women, and Viola Nambi plays for Åland United. Namukisa Aisha is based in the United Arab Emirates with FC Banat, while Zainah Nandede and Ruth Aturo represent Simba Queens.
In Asia, Aisha Nantongo plays for Changchun Dazhong Women. Kenya’s top flight also hosts several Ugandan players, with Daisy Nakaziro, Desire Katisi Natooro, Zaina Namuleme and Margaret Kunihira turning out for Police Bullets FC Women, while Anitah Namata, Anita Nantume and Sharifa Kabite feature for Vihiga Queens FC.
In India, Fazila Ikwaput, Resty Ikwaput and Aminah Nababi continue to impress at East Bengal Women, while Fazira Bint Hassan, Bbosa Nalunkuma and Jackline Adongo compete in the Turkish second division.
Sylivia Kabene is currently playing for Hibernian FC Women Malta, further extending Uganda’s footprint in European football.
Joan Nabirye and Daphine Nyayenga are expected to complete new moves soon as they continue their professional journeys abroad, while Ashiat Nalugwa and Patricia Akikor are currently playing college football in the United States.
Sharon Naddunga and Sharon Namatovu are also among the Ugandan players plying their trade outside the country.
Their continued presence abroad raises Uganda’s profile in global women’s football and reflects the steady growth of the game at home.
