Lakony welcomes indoor shift for National Volleyball League

Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) technical director Tony Lakony has praised the decision to host National Volleyball League (NVL) games indoors at Lugogo Indoor Arena, saying it will better prepare national team players for international duty.

Lakony noted that the timing is ideal as Uganda gears up for the Zone V qualifiers in June.

“Most importantly, we have Zone V qualifiers in June and this will give our national team players enough time to get used to playing indoors while at their clubs,” he said.

He added that the change is crucial given the onset of the rainy season.

“This is very good for volleyball because we are into the rainy season. It will help us avoid match postponements due to rain and it is safer for players as well,” Lakony explained.

Lakony emphasized that indoor volleyball enhances performance by reducing risks associated with rough outdoor surfaces.

“Indoor games give players the opportunity to execute skills without fear of getting hurt from the tarmac, especially in defence. It also allows players to compete without getting baked by the sun. There is less wind when serving and no direct sunlight when setting, attacking or receiving,” he said.

Rain Disruption Sparks Debate

The decision follows incidents during the second round of the 2025–2026 NVL, which resumed last month at Nsambya and Nkumba University. One of the most talked-about moments came during the Serie A women’s match between VVC and Seroma at Nsambya.

VVC were leading two sets to zero and 24–19 in the third when rain forced players off the court. Seroma did not return after the rain eased, and the referee declared the game postponed, a ruling that angered VVC.

The incident reignited debate about hosting outdoor volleyball matches during the rainy season. While volleyball is traditionally an indoor sport, many league games in Uganda are still played outdoors at venues such as Nsambya and Nkumba. Currently, the main indoor facilities are Lugogo Indoor Arena and Old Kampala Sports Arena, while Nsambya and Nkumba remain partly outdoor.

Weekend Fixtures

This weekend, Lugogo Indoor Arena will host several Serie A matches. On Saturday, Seroma will face VVC in the women’s category, followed by KCB-Nkumba vs UCU. In the men’s fixtures, SKY will meet KU, UCU will face KAVC, and the day will conclude with a high-profile clash between KCCA and NEMO.

On Sunday, Nsambya will host more Serie A matches. In the women’s category, KAVC will face KU while KCCA take on UPDF. Men’s fixtures will feature Tigers vs Police, KAVC vs KU, and Elyon vs SKY.

Current Standings

In the Serie A men’s standings, Sport-S lead with 29 points, followed by NEMO with 26 and KCCA with 25. In the women’s Serie A, KCB-Nkumba top the table with 30 points, Sport-S follow with 28, and KCCA

National Volleyball League

Saturday 14th – Serie A (Lugogo Indoor Arena)

Women

Seroma v VVC 10AM

KCB-Nkumba v UCU 5PM

Men

SKY v KU 12PM

UCU v KAVC 2PM

KCCA v NEMO 7PM

Sunday 15th Serie A (Nsambya)

Women

KCCA v UPDF 12PM

KAVC v KU 2PM

Men

Tigers v Police 2PM

KAVC v KU 4PM

Elyon v SKY 4PM