Balenzi elected new Uganda Handball Federation president
Balenzi polled 56 votes to defeat his closest rivals, Willy Mayanja and Hanington Musoke, who garnered 36 and 32 votes, respectively.
Uganda Handball Federation president Fred Balenzi waves to the electorate after the elections. (Photos by Johnson Were)
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Fred Balenzi, a teacher at Mukono High School, has been elected president of the Uganda Handball Federation (UHF).
Balenzi emerged victorious in a tightly contested election held at Old Kampala Arena on September 19, 2026, securing a four-year term at the helm of the federation.
Balenzi polled 56 votes to defeat his closest rivals, Willy Mayanja and Hanington Musoke, who garnered 36 and 32 votes, respectively. The election attracted delegates from more than 80 districts across the country.
He succeeds Sheila Agonzibwa Richardson, who has dedicated more than 25 years to handball administration and leadership in Uganda.
Before his election, Balenzi served as UHF vice president in charge of administration under Agonzibwa's leadership, while Mayanja served as vice president in charge of technical affairs.
Uganda Handball Federation Outgoing president Shiela Agonzibwa address the AGM before dissolving the Executive at Old Kampala. Looking on (R) Uganda Olympic Committee treasurer Sadik Nasiwu and Uganda Handball outgoing treasurer Daniel Karibwigye at Old Kampala.
“I am happy to win this election, and I thank the stakeholders for entrusting me to lead them for the next four years," Balenzi stated.
"Together with my executive, we are happy but not celebrating just yet because there is vital work to embark on immediately.”
He added that the federation will actively package its assets to attract corporate backing.
“We are going to create viable products to sell to partners for branding and sponsorship," Balenzi explained, citing the senior national men's and women's teams, junior teams, beach handball teams and an annual Awards Night as key commercial assets.
In other electoral contests, teachers dominated the top executive positions. Simon Opoloti from Soroti clinched the position of vice president unopposed. In a major upset, Margaret Awori unseated incumbent general secretary Carl Mugalu with an 85-46 victory.
Former general secretary Saudah Babirye returned to leadership unopposed as the new Treasurer. Similarly, Vicent Kasala of Kawanda Secondary School retained his position as assistant general secretary unopposed.
The race for the commission of organising and competitions saw Wasswa Authuman defeat Dan Musoke, while Moses Kihembo beat Ismael Bazanye to become the new commissioner for beach handball.
UHF executive committee
President: Fred Balenzi
Vice president: Simon Opoloti
General secretary: Margaret Awori
Assistant general secretary: Vicent Kasala
Treasurer: Saudah Babirye
Commissioner of organising and competitions: Wasswa Authuman
Commissioner for beach handball: Moses Kihembo
Commissioner for referees: Henry Mujuzi