The opening day of the 2026 CAVB Nations Championship Zonal Qualifiers saw East African giants register commanding results at the Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala.
The Uganda women’s team swept past Burundi 3-0 (25-17, 25-18, 25-5) in the tournament’s opening match. The game was controlled by Rwanda-based Catherine Ainembabazi, who contributed 12 points.
“We are taking it one game at a time,” stated a jovial Protus Soita, Head Coach of the Lady Volleyball Cranes.
Only three women’s teams are contesting for qualification; Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan, with the winner qualifying for the continental showpiece.
Next on the menu was a regional derby as the Kenya men’s national team dismissed a fatigued Tanzania squad in three straight sets (25-20, 28-26, 25-17).
Nicholas Matui, named the best hitter at the 2026 CAVB Club Championship, scored 16 points for the Kenyan side. Tanzania endured a grueling two-day road journey from Dar es Salaam, arriving just four hours before serve-off.
In the final game of Day 1, the Ugandan men’s side breezed past Burundi 3-0 (25-21, 26-14, 25-14) in front of a vibrant home crowd. Opposite Muhamed Iga led the attack with 9 points for the Uganda Volleyball Cranes.
“Everything went according to plan, but for game two, we need to polish our reception and setting,” said Shilla Omuriwe, Head Coach of Uganda.
The competition also embraced the use of the Video Challenge System for the first time. The same technology will be in use today when action returns with two games.
Day 2 Fixtures
- 18:00 (Men): Tanzania vs. Burundi
- 20:00 (Men): South Sudan vs. Uganda
Photo Credit: Uganda Volleyball
