Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has appointed Mohammed Athiyo as the new Head Coach of the Lady Cranes XVs team, marking a fresh chapter for the seasoned tactician following his departure from Heathens Rugby Club.
The rugby governing body confirmed the development on February 23th, 2025, through its official X account, describing the appointment as a major boost for the women’s national team, stating,
“Big News 🇺🇬🇺🇬 We are delighted to announce the appointment of Athiyo Muhammad as Head Coach of the Lady Cranes XVs team,” URU stated.
He replaces Charles Onen at the helm of the national women’s 15s side.
Athiyo’s appointment comes just months after he officially ended a remarkable nine-year tenure as head coach of Heathens RFC on May 19, 2025.
During his time in charge from 2016 to 2025, he built one of the most dominant eras in Ugandan club rugby history.
Under his leadership, Heathens clinched five league titles (2016/17, 2018/19, 2019/20, 2022, 2024), three Uganda Cups (2016, 2022, 2023/24), and a National 7s Series title in 2024. The Kyadondo-based side also registered unbeaten league campaigns in 2019/20 and 2022, alongside a treble-winning season in 2024.
Across 169 XVs matches coached, Athiyo secured 146 wins an impressive 86.39 percent win rate further cementing his legacy as one of the most successful club coaches in the modern era.
Having joined Heathens in the late 1990s as a player before transitioning into coaching in 2016, Athiyo’s journey reflects years of dedication and loyalty to the club.
With Mohammed Athiyo now in charge, attention turns to a packed 2026 calendar that will test the Lady Cranes XVs’ depth and competitiveness.
Test Matches vs Tunisia (Dates TBC – Likely March/April 2026).
The Lady Cranes are expected to host Tunisia in early-season international test matches Likely March/April 2026.
These fixtures will provide vital preparation ahead of continental competition, helping the technical bench assess combinations, fitness levels, and tactical systems.
Rugby Africa Women’s Cup – Division 1 (21–31 May 2026, Nairobi, Kenya). The continental showpiece will be the primary target of the campaign.
Set for Nairobi, the tournament will see Uganda battle Africa’s emerging powers as they push for promotion and regional supremacy, including potential high-stakes encounters against traditional rivals Kenya’s Lionesses.
