Countdown begins for the 2025 Dr. Aporu Okol International Volleyball Tournament

As the countdown to the 2025 Dr. Aporu Okol International Volleyball Tournament begins, excitement is building across the region.

Clubs, universities, corporate teams, and both secondary and primary schools are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling championship.

Nemo Stars Volleyball Club, the reigning men’s champions from the 2024 edition, are especially eager to defend their title. The tournament will take place from June 13 to 15 at Kumi Boma Grounds in Kumi Municipality.

“Our goal is to defend the title. I know it won’t be easy, but we’re prepared to give it our all,” said Tom Amou, head coach of Nemo Stars Volleyball Club. He added that the team has been undergoing intensive training at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Team captain George Aporu, a key player in the squad, expressed confidence in their preparation.
“Over the years, the team has grown in performance, and we hope to continue that upward trajectory,” Aporu stated.

Aporu, son of the late Dr. Okol, emphasized that the annual tournament is more than just a sporting event—it is a celebration of unity and the enduring spirit his father inspired.

The tournament attracts top volleyball teams from across the region, reflecting Dr. Okol’s legacy of promoting unity and sportsmanship. This year’s edition is particularly significant, marking 30 years of honoring his memory through the sport he loved.

Cissy Opede, Chairperson of the Kumi District Volleyball Association, noted a rise in the number of participating teams across all categories—primary, secondary, corporate, and club levels.

“I want to thank all the schools, clubs, universities, and corporate teams that have confirmed their participation. Special thanks go to the teams from South Sudan for joining this year’s championship,” she said.

Vincent Ingurat, Chairperson of the Eastern Uganda Volleyball Association, highlighted the impact of Spike International coming on board as the major sponsor, which has led to an increase in team registrations.

According to Ingurat, defending champions Nemo Stars (men) and Nkumba University (women) will face stiff competition from top Ugandan teams including JUBA, KCB, Mbale City, COBRA, Nkumba University, UCU Mukono, Kampala University, St. Charles Ntinda, Kumi University, and Termites, among others.

In the school categories, Zana High School and Ngora High School claimed the boys’ and girls’ secondary school titles respectively in the previous edition. In the primary school category, Bazaar and Kumi Boys emerged victorious in the boys’ and girls’ divisions.

Winners of the tournament will be awarded certificates and trophies in recognition of their achievements.