Excitement builds ahead of Upper Eastern Volleyball League

Enthusiasm is mounting among volleyball clubs in the Teso sub-region as preparations intensify for the 2026 edition of the Upper Eastern Volleyball League throw-off, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, at the Kumi University grounds in Kumi District.

The Upper Eastern Volleyball League, formerly known as the Eastern Uganda Volleyball League, is the second-tier competition under the Uganda Volleyball Federation. Played under Serie C, its purpose is to identify men’s and women’s champions who can be promoted to Serie B.

According to Emmanuel Ekarac, General Secretary of the Upper Eastern Volleyball Association, a total of eleven clubs will feature in the seventh edition of the tournament. “I want to congratulate the Uganda Volleyball Federation for introducing volleyball competitions at the lower level, which has helped to unearth talents locally,” Ekarac said.

Teams that have confirmed participation include Okouba, Kumi University, Bukedea Mission, Amus College, Kumi Northern Division, UCU Mbale, Ngora Fighters, Nyero Rock Painters, and Mbale City, among others.

Organizing committee secretary Moses Okello Perez noted that the number of clubs expected this year has increased compared to previous editions, signaling the growing popularity of the league.

Coaches are equally optimistic. Jonathan Oumo, head coach of Amus College School Volleyball Club, expressed confidence that his team will finally secure promotion to Serie B. “We are well prepared this time, having missed promotion in previous editions after losing the final battle to Bukedea Comprehensive School,” Oumo said.

Meanwhile, Charles Opolot, coach of Okouba Volleyball Club, acknowledged the challenge ahead but remained hopeful. “It’s our first appearance in the league, but we shall try our best to shine. We missed the competition for a while, but now we are back and ready to compete for the trophy and earn promotion to Serie B,” he said.

Association chairperson Stephen Onyait confirmed that the competition will feature both men’s and women’s clubs. He emphasized that the annual regional league has consistently produced teams that have gone on to play in Serie B, proving its importance in the development of volleyball in Eastern Uganda.