Soita confident Uganda will join Kenya, Egypt at African Championships

Uganda Women's National Volleyball Team head coach Protus Soita Barasa has expressed confidence in his provisional squad ahead of the CAVB Zone V Nations Championship qualifiers, which Uganda will host from May 31 to June 5 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

The Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) will host both men's and women's qualifiers, with teams expected from Kenya, Egypt, Rwanda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Burundi, subject to final confirmation.

Soita said the 22-player provisional squad was selected based on current form and club performance.

"What guided our selection is the present performance and the form of the players and their roles in their clubs," he said.

"My expectation is for the team to qualify for the next stage. Apart from Kenya and Egypt, who have already qualified, I expect us to be the one joining them."

The team begins preparations on Thursday, focusing on building unity and improving defence, service, and attacking strength.

"We are focused on team unity and working on technical things like defence, service, and formidable attacks," he explained.

Playing at home presents a major opportunity, Soita added: "If we qualify, it is a booster to our younger players. If we compete well, we give them hope and also send a positive message to all stakeholders."

The provisional squad features 19 locally based players and three foreign-based players: Sharon Amito (APR Rwanda), Otin Hadija (UEA Rwanda), and Catherine Ainembabazi (Police Rwanda). Several young players, including setters Acelun Hadijah, Katreena Odermatt, and Oliver Acan, will compete for final places.

Soita will be assisted by coach Eddie Bwengye, who is also head coach of KCCA Volleyball Club and the reigning Uganda Women's Volleyball League champions. Bwengye led KCCA to the Round of 16 at the African Club Championship in Cairo and has experience with Uganda's national beach volleyball team.

Team trainer Obeke Nicholas completes the technical bench. He has worked with UPDF, Nkumba University, Kyambogo University, Nabisunsa Girls School, and St. Mary's Kitende, helping develop many young players.

Men's team

For the men's national team, Shilla Omuriwe has returned as head coach for the same Zone V qualifiers. She previously guided Uganda to a fifth-place finish at the African Championship and now returns with greater expectations. She will work with assistant coach Joshua Osiya and second assistant Tom Paul Amou.

Qualification format

According to the CAVB format, winners from each of the six zones 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 in Nairobi, Kenya (August 23 – September 5), and the men's championship in Kinshasa, DR Congo (September 7–21).

The championship will also contribute to qualification pathways for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2027 FIVB World Championships.

Provisional squad

Setters

Oliver Acn– KCCA

Acelun Hadijah – VVC

Kalreena Odermatt – KCB Nkumba

Middle blockers

Jennifer Alungat – KCB Nkumba

Agnes Akanyo – KCCA

Lydia Asimo – VVC

Jemmia Lamaro – Seroma

Sharon Amito – APR(Rwanda)

Lisa Nakitto – KU

Opposite

Moreen Mwamula – KCCA

Joan Tushemereirwe – KCCA

Scovia Alungat – KCB

Renata Kamaharo – Sports

Receivers

Ketty Aluka – VVC

Claire Najjuko - KCCA

Otin Hadija – UEA (Rwanda)

Catherine Ainembabazi – Police (Rwanda)

Norah Nakalembe – VVC

Liberos

Veroline Aanyu – KCCA

Shamirah Kalanzi – Sports

Noel Asekenyi– KCCA

Summayyah Ndagire – KCB