32nd edition of Aporu Okol International Volleyball Tournament kicks off in Kumi

The 32nd edition of the Aporu Okol International Volleyball Tournament has registered a high turnout of teams competing for various accolades.

The tournament kicked off on Friday, June 12, and runs through Sunday, June 14, 2026, at Kumi Boma Grounds in Kumi Municipality.

The annual event, organised by the Uganda Volleyball Federation and Kumi District Volleyball Association in partnership with the National Council of Sports, is held in memory of the late volleyball icon Dr. Aporu Okol.

Cissy Opede, Chairperson of the Kumi District Volleyball Association, said the number of teams has increased across primary, secondary, corporate, and club categories.

"I want to thank all the teams that have turned up for this year's edition. The number has increased from 78 teams in 2025 to 102 in 2026. My special thanks go to the teams from South Sudan that have continued to come for the tournament," Opede said.

Stephen Onyait, Chairperson of Eastern Upper Eastern Volleyball, said the annual tournament serves as an avenue for talent identification in the region. According to Onyait, the number of participating teams has continued to grow each year.

Onyait highlighted Cobra Volleyball Club from South Sudan, which won the men's trophy in 2025, as a team to watch. Other teams include: Nkumba (men & women), Nemo (men & women), Cobra (men & women), KCB (women), UPDF (men & women), Seroma (men), Gulu City (men & women), Gulu VC (men), Mulago (men), Bukedea (men), Sky (men), E-Planet (men), Kumi University (men), Seroma (boys & girls), Tororo Girls, Bukedea (boys & girls), Amus (boys & girls), St. Elizabeth Girls Kidetok, Ngora HS (boys), Byoosi, and Centenary Bank.

Onyait said the federation uses the annual event to identify talents that can be elevated to compete in different series.

Cobra Volleyball Club coach David Math Mathiang is strongly optimistic that his team is fully prepared to defend the title won during the 2025 competition.

"We are well prepared, focused, and ready for the challenge ahead. The competition will be tough, but we believe in our ability. Our goal is to defend the title, and we are taking every game seriously," Mathiang said.

Mathiang led the South Sudan-based club to its first-ever final, where they were crowned men's club champions.

According to Mathiang, the players have focused on signing new players from different clubs, and now have a complete team ready for the challenge.

"The morale is high, and we expect to do better than last year in both the men's and women's categories," he added.

Winners in the tournament will walk away with certificates and trophies.