Uganda Lady Cranes target FIVB qualification at CAVB African Nations Championship

Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes team manager Prossy Rahma Namuleme says the team has shifted focus from simply participating to competing for honours as preparations intensify for the 2026 CAVB Women's African Nations Championship.

The continental championship will be held in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5, where Uganda will be among Africa's top teams battling for the title and qualification to the FIVB Volleyball Nations Championship.

Uganda secured their place at the tournament after an unbeaten campaign in the Zone V qualifiers held in Kampala, defeating South Sudan and Burundi to finish top of the regional competition.

"We started training with 16 players. We first focused on body conditioning and now we are working on our game strategy and winning plans," Namuleme said.

"This time we are not going just to participate. We want to compete, win matches, and qualify for the FIVB Nations Championship. I call upon all Ugandans to support the team."

She said the technical team is pleased with the players' attitude and commitment despite the challenge of selecting the final squad.

"The morale is good and we expect to qualify. The final squad is working well together, although choosing the final setters was not easy. The team has accepted the decisions and everyone is focused."

Namuleme added that the coaches are concentrating on areas they can control rather than worrying about their opponents.

"We are focusing on what is within our control and respecting every team we shall face. Our philosophy is making sure every player understands the system we want to play."

"We are mainly working on team chemistry, our system of play, and changing the players' mindset to fit the style we want."

The Lady Cranes head into the championship with confidence after dominating the Zone V qualifiers, where captain Joan Tushemerirwe was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. Katreena Odermatt, Scovia Alungat, and Shamirah Kalanzi also received individual awards following impressive performances.

Meanwhile, the Uganda men's national volleyball team will also represent Zone V at the 2026 Men's African Nations Championship in Kinshasa, DR Congo, from September 7 to 21 after qualifying through the regional tournament.

Uganda's men will compete against hosts DR Congo, Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Cameroon, Rwanda, Tunisia, Chad, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, The Gambia, Nigeria, Central African Republic, and Zimbabwe.

Both continental championships carry major importance, with the champions earning Africa's direct qualification slot for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The men's tournament will also determine Africa's representatives at the 2027 FIVB Volleyball Men's World Cup.

The men's team also heads into the competition with confidence after victories over Burundi, South Sudan, and Tanzania during the Zone V qualifiers, despite losing to regional champions Kenya. Young players John Bosco Opira, Owen Omonding, Willington Talemwa, Duke Kyomukama, and Mohammed Iga were among the standout performers.