volleyball 14 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Volleyball Cranes back on international stage after five-year hiatus
The Uganda Volleyball Cranes have returned to international competition after a five-year absence, showcasing potential at the CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers despite narrowly missing automatic qualification for the African Nations Championship. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/five-years-later-volleyball-cranes-return-with-promise-and-purpose-5495982
After a prolonged five-year absence from international competition, the Uganda Volleyball Cranes have finally stepped back onto the court, participating in the CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers held in Kampala. While the team secured three victories out of four matches, they narrowly missed out on a direct spot in the African Nations Championship, highlighting both the promise and the persistent challenges facing the program.
Under the leadership of coach Shilla Omuriwe Buyungo, the Cranes displayed significant talent, with players like Duke Kyomukama, Owen Omoding, and John Bosco Opila demonstrating their capabilities. The team secured wins against Burundi and South Sudan, but a crucial loss to Kenya proved costly. Despite a concluding victory over Tanzania, Uganda could not clinch the coveted qualification berth.
The qualifiers served as a vital assessment of the team’s current standing against regional rivals, marking their first international matches since the 2021 African Nations Championship where they achieved a commendable fifth-place finish. This prior success serves as a benchmark, proving Uganda’s potential when adequately prepared and consistently engaged.
While Uganda showed attacking prowess and composure, the competition also exposed areas needing improvement, such as closing out sets and consistent game management. The defeat against Kenya, a seasoned opponent, offered a valuable learning experience for a team rebuilding its international footing.
Coach Omuriwe emphasized the critical need for continuity, advocating for year-round engagement of the national team program to foster tactical familiarity and team chemistry. The blend of experienced players, including captain George Aporu, and emerging talent proved beneficial, with seniors guiding newer squad members through their first international experiences.
The team’s goal is to move beyond isolated successes, like the 2021 fifth-place finish, and establish a consistent standard of performance. The challenge now lies in transforming this return into sustained growth and a regular presence on the international volleyball scene.