Baseball boost for Uganda, But Kenya prove too strong in championship opener

Baseball5 East Africa Youth Championship

Day One Result

Uganda 2 Kenya 13

The Public Affairs Counselor at the American Embassy in Uganda, Yasmeen Hibrani, has praised the growth of baseball in Uganda and pledged continued support towards the development of the sport.

Speaking as the chief guest at the opening of the 2026 East Africa Youth Baseball5 Championship at Hamz Stadium on Friday, Hibrani said the United States is increasingly using sport as a tool for development through its Freedom 250 initiative, which commemorates 250 years of American independence. She noted that sports are playing a central role in the celebrations, promoting unity, historical heritage, and the American spirit.

"We are currently co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with Mexico and Canada. In 2028, we shall host the Summer Olympic Games, and we will also host the Baseball World Cup," Hibrani said.

Uganda Baseball and Softball Association (UBASA) chairman John Bosco Sempa welcomed the American Embassy's commitment and appealed for increased support to further develop baseball in Uganda. "We appreciate the American Embassy's gesture and look forward to more partnerships that will help elevate baseball in Uganda," Sempa said.

On the field, Uganda endured a difficult start to the Under-18 East Africa Baseball5 Championship, losing 13-2 to Kenya in the tournament's opening match at Hamz Stadium. Kenya won both sets 4-1 and 9-1 to secure a comfortable victory, displaying superior experience and composure throughout the contest.

The Kenyan side not only possessed a physically stronger team but also benefited from valuable international exposure. Two members of the squad featured in last year's continental championship in South Africa after Kenya finished runners-up in the East African qualifiers held in Uganda. They later represented Africa at the Baseball5 World Cup in Mexico, where they finished fifth.

"We have experienced players, including two who competed at both the African Championship and the World Cup last year," said Kenya head coach Joel Wa-Ngiko. "They have inspired the rest of the squad, which has also trained together consistently in preparation for this tournament."

Uganda head coach Ibrahim Kaboggoza admitted that his youthful side struggled against a more experienced opponent. "The players were under pressure because it was the opening match," Kaboggoza said. "Our initial plan was to start against South Sudan, but the change in fixtures meant we had to face a stronger and more mature Kenyan team first. That affected the players' confidence."

Only one match was played on the opening day as organizers awaited the arrival of the Tanzanian team before revising the fixture schedule. South Sudan, which had initially been scheduled to host the championship, was still uncertain about participating in the Kampala event.

The championship continues over the weekend and is expected to conclude on Sunday.