Weatherhead Hockey Open sees new champions as Ebola scare keeps Kenyan teams away

The 15th edition of the Weatherhead Hockey Open delivered surprises after both defending champions lost their titles in the men's and women's categories.

The two-day tournament, held at the National Hockey Ground in Lugogo, was also threatened by Ebola virus concerns after four Kenyan teams pulled out at the last hour. As a result, the event attracted only local teams,  eight men's sides, five women's sides, and three schools in the boys' and girls' categories.

"We had invited four Kenyan teams that withdrew at the last hour in fear of the Ebola virus. We missed higher level competition because Kenya has better hockey than Uganda," said Arnold Kasumba, organizing secretary of Weatherhead Hockey Club.

Despite the withdrawals, the tournament delivered strong competition among Ugandan teams. Hosts Weatherhead won the men's title after a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw against Badgers. Weatherhead edged Badgers 11–10 to regain the glory last enjoyed in 2023. Kenyan side ISIU won in 2024, and Wananchi took the title last year. This year, Wananchi's hopes of defending were ended in the semifinal with a 2–1 loss to Weatherhead.

In the women's category, HDF lifted the trophy after beating defending champions Weatherhead Gazelles 2–0.

In the schools' category, Kyadondo SS took both the boys' and girls' titles, beating Kakungulu in both finals.

Weatherhead club chairman Martin Oweka said they are looking at a bigger tournament next year as the club marks 30 years of hockey in Uganda.