The 2017 and 2018 winners have been drawn in Pool B for the event, held at the South African capital's Bellville Velodrome.

They open their campaign against Zimbabwe, before facing Tanzania on Saturday (October 19) and Kenya on Sunday (October 20).

Uganda will have to do without influential captain Peace Proscovia, however, with Kawowo Sports reporting she has sustained an injury and been ruled out of the tournament.

Racheal Nanyonga and Lilian Ajio are other notable absentees.

National Council of Sports vice-chairman Zubair Galiwango wished the team luck during a send-off event in Kampala earlier this week.

"As the Government, we are proud of the She Cranes and the team has always brought us joy," he said. 

"I encourage you to go out there and make Uganda proud."

Hosts South Africa have been drawn in Pool A with Lesotho, Malawi and Zambia.

Pool play is due to run through to Sunday. 

The top two teams from each section will go through to the semi-finals, scheduled for Monday (October 21).

The medal matches are on Tuesday (October 22).