Men's Volleyball League finals still uncertain after two-month eligibility dispute

Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) president Sadik Zaid Nasiwu says the fate of the Men's National Volleyball League finals remains uncertain more than two months after the competition was halted following a player eligibility dispute.

"Our season has already ended, and we are currently in the transfer window period. At this stage, we cannot continue with the matches as originally planned. The Executive Committee will soon meet and decide the way forward," Nasiwu said.

The men's finals were suspended in April after the National Council of Sports (NCS) intervened following a complaint from Nemostars Volleyball Club, which challenged UVF's decision to disqualify them from the playoffs.

The dispute originated from a March ruling in which both Nemostars and St. Charles Lwanga Ntinda Volleyball Club were found guilty of fielding ineligible players. After investigations by separate three-member committees, UVF ruled that Nemostars had used players who breached federation regulations and awarded Elyon Volleyball Club a 3–0 victory despite losing on the court.

A similar decision was taken against St. Charles Lwanga Ntinda, with Nkumba Volleyball Club also awarded a 3–0 victory and promoted to the final. The rulings effectively reshaped both the Serie A and Serie B finals, but the competition has remained unresolved ever since.

When asked whether the men's finals would no longer be played, Nasiwu insisted that the federation had not yet reached a final position.

"The Executive Committee will carefully study all available options, consult the relevant stakeholders, and make a final decision that protects the interests of the sport, clubs, players, and the federation moving forward," he said.

The prolonged delay has left clubs, players, and supporters waiting for clarity, with concerns growing about communication and the credibility of the league. The controversy has also pushed player registration and transfer regulations into the spotlight.

Last month, UVF reinforced its rules regarding foreign players, making it clear that no foreign athlete can participate in sanctioned competitions without proper documentation.

"Every foreign player must possess a valid International Transfer Certificate before registration and participation in any competition. This requirement protects the integrity of the league and helps the federation verify player eligibility correctly," Nasiwu explained.

The federation further clarified that a complete transfer file must contain signatures from both parties involved in the transfer, a passport-size photograph, and proof of payment before approval can be granted. All transfer payments are also required to be processed through the General Secretary and deposited into the federation's official bank account.

The latest regulations came amid growing scrutiny of player eligibility processes following the Nemostars and Ntinda cases.

While the domestic league remains unresolved, Ugandan volleyball has continued to make progress elsewhere. The country recently hosted the Zone V Volleyball Championship, where the national teams delivered strong performances and attracted praise.

Elsewhere, the 32nd edition of the Dr. Aporu Okol International Memorial Volleyball Tournament will take place from Friday to Sunday at Kumi Boma Grounds. The annual tournament honors the late Dr. George Edward Aporu Okol, a former KAVC player who represented Uganda's first national volleyball team in 1975 before serving as Deputy Minister of Animal Industry and Fisheries, Member of Parliament for Kumi County, and patron of the Uganda Volleyball Federation.

Dr. Aporu Okol is also remembered for promoting volleyball among young people in Teso during a difficult period of insurgency, helping use sport as a tool for unity and development. His contribution is widely credited for making Teso one of Uganda's strongest volleyball regions.