Japan sends coach to drive Uganda's baseball and softball Olympic ambition
Uochi will work as a volunteer under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which supports economic and social development in developing countries.
UBASA President John Bosco Ssempa introducing the new Japanese baseball coach, Uochi Ryuhei. PHOTO: Silvano Kibuuka
The Japanese Embassy in Uganda has attached coach Uochi Ryuhei, 25, to the Uganda Baseball and Softball Association (UBASA) to support the development of baseball and softball under the longstanding cooperation between Uganda and Japan.
Uganda's hopes of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games have received a boost following the arrival of a Japanese national baseball and softball coach, according to Uganda Baseball and Softball Association (UBASA) President John Bosco Ssempa.
Uochi will work as a volunteer under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which supports economic and social development in developing countries.
He was unveiled to the baseball community at the Uganda-Japan Friendship Baseball Stadium in Gayaza on Saturday and pledged to use his experience to develop the sport at all levels in Uganda.
"I played baseball from high school to university and graduated as a physical trainer. I have two years' experience coaching the sport and have been working with SoftBank Baseball Club in Japan. I am going to use my experience and training to bring change to baseball and softball in Uganda, including in schools, communities, and the national teams," Uochi said.
UBASA President John Bosco Ssempa introducing the new Japanese baseball coach, Uochi Ryuhei. PHOTO: Silvano Kibuuka
Ssempa hailed the long-standing relationship between Uganda and Japan in baseball and softball, noting that Japan has previously supported the construction of the Gayaza facility, although some of its structures have since been vandalized.
"His tasks include, but are not limited to, linking the two countries in technical and human-resource support and developing programs for schools, the national teams, and communities," Ssempa said.
Ssempa said the road to Los Angeles 2028 will begin with a continental Olympic qualifier scheduled for July next year at a venue yet to be announced.
Embassy and Uganda Friendlies:
Uganda Veterans 12 Japanese Team 6
Uganda Veterans 8 Uganda All Stars 7
Japanese Team 3 Uganda All Stars 10