Uganda handball team begins AFCON preparations

Pool A: Algeria, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zambia

Pool B: Egypt, Angola, Gabon, Uganda

Pool C: Tunisia, Guinea, Cameroon, Kenya

Pool D: Cape Verde, Morocco, Congo, Benin

The national handball team has officially begun training ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda from January 21–31.

Head coach Jimmy Orotin named a 24‑man squad that entered residential training on Monday at Old Kampala Arena.

Making their debut at the continental stage, Uganda’s primary target is to qualify from the group stages.

“It is our first time competing at the AFCON stage, but we are focused and our target is to get out of the group stages,” Orotin said.

“We started training yesterday with emphasis on physical strength and fitness, and I am impressed the boys are responding positively.”

The 27th edition of the championship features 16 teams divided into four pools. Uganda is drawn in Pool B alongside Angola, Gabon, and defending champions Egypt. Pool A includes Algeria, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia; Pool C has Tunisia, Guinea, Cameroon, and neighbours Kenya; while Pool D features Cape Verde, Morocco, Congo, and Benin.

The Ugandan team, supported by New Gloria Hotel and the National Council of Sports, comprises: Gerald Pirwoth, Felix Mukunzi, Jakisa Anuari, Japheth Asiimwe, Timothy Okolimong, Umar Okello, Douglas Musoke, Francis Ongom, Sharif Lukwago, Medard Twine, Kenneth Tumuhirwe, Nathan Wokulira, and Bashir Mumbere.

Others named are Lam Anthony Muzayi, Umar Issa, Abel Mukiibi, Vicent Tibamwenda, Godwin Bingana, Keith Bemugisa, Edmond Omony, Ignatius Anzoretu, Geofrey Ssekamanya, Prosper Wagaba, and Daniel Bongomin.vvvvvvvvvvvv