Falcon crowned champions of 8th Harriet Apako Memorial Cup

Falcon Handball Club emerged victorious at the 8th edition of the Harriet Apako Memorial Cup, held at Soroti City Sports Ground on Saturday.

The tournament, organised by the Uganda Handball Federation (UHF) in collaboration with the Soroti Handball Association, attracted 16 clubs from across the country.

Falcon’s men’s team clinched the title after a commanding 32–18 win over Natives Handball Club.

In the women’s category, She Natives Handball Club celebrated their first-ever triumph, defeating Cranes 34–12 to lift the ladies’ trophy.

Samuel Okwale Orogot, chairperson of the organising committee, emphasized the importance of the event in uniting districts across the Teso Sub-region.

“There are energetic and tall people in the region, and I believe if we give them such opportunities, we can tap into their sports talents,” Orogot noted.

Soroti City Sports Officer Simon Opolot encouraged participants to value sports alongside education and culture, highlighting its role in preserving identity and glory. He praised UHF for organizing a tournament that honors Harriet Apako’s contribution to Uganda’s sports fraternity.

Opolot added that the annual competition will serve as a platform for discovering and nurturing talent from up-country handballers.

Uganda national coach Jimmy Orotin, representing UHF President Shila A. Richardson, urged young people to embrace handball as both a social and economic opportunity.

Falcons and Native battling in finals of the mens category

“The tournament is special because it promotes socialization while also providing employment opportunities for young people. We want the youth to move in the right direction since sports is currently a highly paying adventure,” Orotin said.

He further revealed that UHF intends to use the annual memorial event as a talent identification hub, with promising players elevated to the national team.

Winners of the championship received certificates and trophies, courtesy of the Uganda Handball Federation, marking another successful edition of the Harriet Apako Memorial Cup.

Apako Cup

Men

Finals

Falcon 32 Native’s 18

Ladies

Finals

She Natives 34 Cranes 12