UPDF eyes regional glory at handball championships

The 43rd edition of the East and Central Africa Handball Senior Club Championships gets underway this Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Old Kampala Arena.

The battleground is set for the three-day regional event, which has attracted both men’s and women’s teams eager to compete for honours.

Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) head coach Sulaiman Muhammed expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness.

“We are ready for the task ahead and we are going for the challenge, which we know will not be easy because every side wants it,” Muhammed told Vision Sport.

The men’s competition features UPDF, Juba City, Brothers, Rwanda Police, APR of Rwanda, Black Mamba of Kenya, NCPB Cereals, and Police of Uganda.

According to Muhammed, UPDF’s men’s team has the international experience needed to deliver results.

“Apart from the women who are making it for the first time, the men have more than enough experience and I am optimistic they will put up a good fight,” he added.

ECAHF Handball Fixtures 
Pools 
Men 
 Group A
1. NCPB
2. Uganda Police
3. Rwanda Police 
Group B
1. Black Mamba (Kenya)
2. UPDF- (UG)
3. Brothers handball club (Burundi)

 Women 
Group A
1. Uganda Police 
2. UPDF (UG)
3. NCPC (Kenya)
Group B 
1. Uganda Prisons 
2. Nairobi waters (Kenya)
3. Muzinga (Burundi)
ECAHF Fixtures 
Sunday December 28th Matchday 1 - 
1. Police v UPDF (women) 1pm
2. NCPB v Police (Men) 3pm
3. Prisons v Nairobi waters (women) 5pm
4. Black Mamba (Kenya) V UPDF (men) 7pm

UPDF will face stiff opposition from fellow Ugandan clubs Prisons and Police, who have assembled strong squads.

Police coach Yakub has named a formidable lineup including Imran Kangala, Shakib Nyanzi, Geoffrey Ssekamaanya, Kenneth Twinomugisha, Nathan Wokulira, Ivan Ssentamu, and Frank Bwire.

Other key players in the Police squad are Isma Kisalita, Badru Opio, Saudi Abdul Salam, Tonny Otim, Peter Ssebulime, Arnold Mayanja, Isaac Nsamba, Matovu Muhammad, Victor Mpuga, Emasu Mark, and Hassan Mustapha.