Uganda to host CAVB Zone V African Nations Volleyball qualifiers

The Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) is set to host the CAVB Zone V African Nations Volleyball Championship qualifiers for both men and women from May 31 to June 5 at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala.

The federation confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday, March 13.

“The federation is pleased to host the Zone V qualifiers in Kampala. We expect strong competition from regional teams and believe the event will help grow volleyball locally while giving Uganda’s national teams valuable international experience,” the statement reads.

The qualifiers follow a directive from the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) issued on January 20, 2026, instructing its member zones to organise qualification tournaments ahead of the main championship.

“The championship will pave the way to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo for the African Nations Volleyball Championship 2026, giving both our men’s and women’s teams exposure and vital experience against stronger opponents.”

By January 12, a total of 23 women’s teams and 27 men’s teams had already registered for the continental championship, prompting CAVB to ask zones to organise qualifying tournaments due to the strong interest.

“The qualifiers will be very competitive because many teams want to qualify. It is also a chance for our players to prove themselves on the continental stage,” the statement concluded.

The tournament is expected to bring together national teams from across the Zone V region competing for places at the African Senior Nations Volleyball Championships. Countries likely to take part include Uganda, Kenya, Burundi, Sudan, South Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, Tanzania, and Rwanda, although final participation will depend on confirmation.

According to the format approved by the CAVB Board of Administration, champions from the six zones will automatically qualify for the finals. They will join the host nation and nine additional teams selected through ranking and registration to complete a 16-team lineup in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

The 2026 African Nations Championships will be hosted in two cities. The women’s tournament will take place in Nairobi, Kenya from August 23 to September 5, while the men’s championship will be staged in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo from September 7 to 21.

The championship will also serve as part of the qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2027 FIVB World Championships.

Meanwhile, Ugandan clubs Sport-S Volleyball Club, Nemostars Volleyball Club, and KCCA Volleyball Club will represent the country at the 2026 Men’s African Volleyball Club Championship scheduled for April 20 to May 3 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda.

Up to 27 teams have already expressed interest in the competition, with East African clubs expected to dominate the entries due to the proximity of the host country.

Host nation Rwanda will be represented by APR Volleyball Club, Police Volleyball Club Rwanda, and Kepler Volleyball Club. Other strong teams expected include General Service Unit Volleyball Club, Kenya Ports Authority Volleyball Club, and Equity Bank Volleyball Club, while Egyptian giants Al Ahly Volleyball Club and Zamalek Volleyball Club are also among the sides registered.

Libya’s Swehly Sports Club won the 2025 edition after defeating Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the final played in Misrata, Libya.