Barasa confident as Uganda gears up for African Women's Nations Championship

Uganda women's volleyball coach Soita Protus Barasa believes the Lady Volleyball Cranes are ready to compete with Africa's best after a month of preparation for the 2026 African Women's Nations Volleyball Championship.

The tournament will be played in Nairobi, Kenya, from Sunday to September 5, with Uganda entering it after an unbeaten run in the Zone V qualifiers.

The Lady Cranes qualified for the continental championship after beating South Sudan and Burundi to win the Zone V qualifiers in Kampala.

Barasa said the team has trained hard and is now ready for the challenge.

"The training has been intense, and I believe we have had good preparation for the team to do well," he said.

The coach said defence has been the team's biggest focus because it is important in modern volleyball. The players have also worked on teamwork and serving.

"I have concentrated on defence because it is core to modern volleyball, but we have also worked on teamwork and service," he said.

Barasa is happy with the players' commitment and discipline throughout the training camp.

"I am happy with the breed of players we chose. They are vibrant and very committed. They have responded very well," he said.

The team has also tested itself against a selected men's side, losing 3-2 in a practice match as it completed its fourth week of training.

Barasa said the first goal is to get out of the group before thinking about bigger targets.

He added that Uganda has already studied some of its strongest opponents.

"The hosts Kenya and the Arab teams—we have watched their games and we are ready to counter their strengths," he said.

The Lady Cranes squad includes captain Catherine Ainembabazi, Rwanda-based Otin Hadijah, Joan Tushemerirwe, Scovia Alungat, Jemimah Lilian Lamaro, Ketty Aluka, and Claire Najjuko.

Setter Acn Holiver has joined the squad to replace Katreena Odermatt, who travelled to Canada for studies.

Barasa called on Ugandans to stand behind the team during the championship.

"We request our fans to rally behind their team and support it in all ways. They should expect a good performance," he said.

Participating teams include hosts Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Algeria, Mali, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tunisia, Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Zambia.

Meanwhile, the Uganda men's volleyball team (Volleyball Cranes) is scheduled to travel to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, for the CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship, which takes place next month.

Uganda's men will compete against hosts DR Congo, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Cameroon, Rwanda, Tunisia, Chad, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Central African Republic, and Zimbabwe.

The championship will also contribute to qualification pathways for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2027 FIVB World Championships.

Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes Squad

Liberos

Christine Asekenye, Shamirah Kalanzi

Opposite Hitters

Joan Tushemerirwe, Moreen Mwamula

Middle Blockers

Jemimah Lilian Lamaro, Jeniffer Alungat, Scovia Francis Alungat, Lisa Nakitto

Setters

Acn Holiver, Hadijah Acelun

Outside Hitters

Hadijah Otin, Ketty Aluka, Claire Najjuko, Catherine Ainembabazi (Captain)

Technical Team

Head Coach – Soita Protus Barasa

Assistant Coach – Edward Bwenje

Second Assistant Coach – Nicholas Obeke