Shilla Omuriwe banks on discipline, chemistry for Uganda's volleyball qualifiers

Shilla Omuriwe says discipline, team chemistry, and mentality will be the foundation of Uganda’s push for success at the upcoming CAVB Zone V Nations Qualifiers in Kampala.

She has returned as head coach of Uganda’s men’s national volleyball team ahead of the regional championship, scheduled for May 31 to June 6 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium. The Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) will host the CAVB Zone V African Nations Volleyball Championship qualifiers for both men and women.

The federation recently confirmed the technical bench, entrusting Omuriwe with leading the national team alongside first assistant coach Joshua Osiya and second assistant Tom Paul Amou. She previously guided Uganda to a fifth-place finish at the African Championship.

“It is an honour and at the same time a responsibility to serve the country. I am grateful for the opportunity and trust given to me,” Omuriwe told Vision Sport.

The tactician explained that her motivation has always been to support the national team whenever called upon.

“The motivation has always been whenever I am given the opportunity to help the team. Volleyball is like a game of chase, and in the meantime, we have to shape the team well for the qualifiers.”

Omuriwe has named a provisional squad of 29 players, blending experienced foreign-based stars with emerging local talent as she attempts to build a fresh national team identity.

Qatar-based Daudi Okello headlines the foreign contingent alongside Kenya-based Cosmas Elijah Apunyo and Rwanda-based trio Gideon Angiro, Kathbert Malinga, and Marino Oboke. Rwanda-based receiver-attacker Malinga has earned his first national team call-up since featuring at the 2019 Zone V qualifiers in Nairobi, Kenya.

Youngster Joel Otim also made the squad after helping Bukedea gain promotion from Serie B to the top flight. Outside hitter George Aporu and setter Smith Okumu are among the Nemostars players included after representing Uganda at the African Club Championship in Kigali.

According to Omuriwe, the squad selection was carefully designed to balance experience and youth.

“It is a mixture of players I have worked with before and young players coming through. I am excited to work with the juniors in the team and I am working hard to make sure they mix and cope with the squad. We are still testing them to see what they bring, and we are supporting them too,” she explained.

Uganda began preparations last week at Old Kampala Arena, with Omuriwe focusing heavily on tactical structure, chemistry, and mindset.

“My philosophy is making sure everybody agrees with the system and understands what we want to do,” she said. “We are mainly working on team chemistry, system of play, and quickly changing the players’ mindset into the style we want them to play.”

The coach admitted preparations have faced some challenges, particularly with players balancing academics and national team duties.

“Competition is good, but university schedules are also affecting us because some of the players are still on campus,” she said.

Uganda will host one of the strongest regional competitions, with countries expected to include Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Egypt, Burundi, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, and Somalia. However, Omuriwe insists Uganda’s focus remains on improving internally rather than worrying about opponents.

“We have one of the biggest zones, but we are focusing on what is within our control and respecting every team that comes,” she said.

Despite the pressure surrounding her return, Omuriwe says she remains calm and focused on building a united and consistent team.

“There is nothing to prove. I am a believer, and God knows the plan He has for me and the team. We had good moments with the previous team, and now we are trying our best to improve consistency, cohesion, and smoothness on the court,” she concluded.

According to the CAVB format, winners from each of the six zones will qualify directly for the African Senior Nations Championships. They will be joined by the host nation and nine additional teams selected through ranking and registration, forming a 16-team competition for both men and women.

The 2026 African Nations Championships will be staged in two cities. The women’s tournament will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5, while the men’s championship will take place in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, from September 7 to 21. The championship will also contribute to qualification pathways for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2027 FIVB World Championships.

Uganda Men’s Volleyball Provisional Squad  Zone V Qualifiers

Outside Hitters

Gideon Angiro – POLICE
George Aporu – NEMO
Duke Kyomukama – SPORT S
William Opoya – ELYON
Kathbert Malinga – GISAGARA
Cosmos Elijah Apunyo – CHEMA
Jonathan Tumukunde – SPORT S
Mark Ochan Omara – UCU
Esau Ecil – KCCA

Liberos

Sharif Nabangi – KCCA
Nicholas Agaba – SPORT S
Happy Ayebale – NEMO
Emma Elanyu – KAVC

Middle Blockers

Benard Malinga – NEMO
John Bosco Opila – SPORT S
Willington Talemwa – NEMO
Joel Otim – BUKEDDEA
Ian Akampa – SPORT S
Owen Muzafaru – KCCA
Lambert Okwii – ELYON

Opposites

Meddie Iga – KCCA
Silver Owinjo – ELYON
Geoffrey Onapa Onen-can – NEMO
Emmanuel Ochom – ELYON
Daudi Okello – Al Rayyan (Qatar)

Setters

Smith Okumu – NEMO
Marino Oboke – KEPLER
Devis Ssuuna – SPORT S
Hussein Juma Adome – UCU

Technical Team

Shilla Omuriwe – Head Coach
Joshua Osiya – First Assistant Coach
Tom Amou – Second Assistant Coach