Uganda Para Volleyball Association eyes 2028 Paralympics with recruitment drive

Ali Kibirango, the president of the Uganda Para Volleyball Association (UPVA), is confident that with timely recruitment and training, para volleyball athletes can develop the skills needed to compete internationally, with a focus on qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.

“We aim to promote sitting volleyball and drive the large-scale recruitment of para volleyball athletes across the country,” Kibirango said.

He made these remarks on Friday during a sitting volleyball training session at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The camp, organised by the Uganda Paralympic Committee (UPC) and UPVA, marked the start of preparations for the Africa Championship scheduled for Nairobi this July.

It also serves as a stepping stone for the national team’s journey toward qualifying for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.

The training was led by international para volleyball classifier Innocent Komakech, assisted by para volleyball expert Tumwesigye Robinson. The sessions, which began on Wednesday, introduced participants to the fundamentals of para volleyball, including ball passing, court movements, and game analysis. Komakech focused on training the women’s team, while Tumwesigye worked with the men’s team.

Komakech expressed enthusiasm about the turnout, highlighting the sport’s resurgence in the region after a period of inactivity.

“The turnout was impressive. It’s not always easy to attract athletes, but we had over 25 participants. These individuals will now serve as ambassadors for the sport,” Komakech said.

The men’s team featured versatile para-athletes, including players from amputee football, led by their president Lawrence Kitimbo and vice president Alex Mugerwa, as well as wheelchair basketball athletes Lawrence Luminsa and Richard Ocira, who also compete in para-athletics.

One of the new recruits, Swaburah Amir, encouraged other persons with disabilities to embrace sports as a way to create a positive impact on their lives and the nation.

“Never feel discouraged about who you are. You are human and capable of achieving personal and national success—whether in sports, academics, or other fields,” Amir advised.