Photo Credit: George Katongole
Coach George Isabirye may have stepped away from active coaching, but his impact on Ugandan handball will endure for years after the Uganda Handball Federation (UHF) paid tribute to one of the sport’s most dedicated servants.
In a heartfelt message, the federation hailed Isabirye for his outstanding contribution to handball following his retirement after the end of his contract with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Handball Team.
Signed by UHF General Secretary Carl-Augustine Mugalu, the message praised Isabirye’s role in shaping the sport at all levels, from grassroots programmes to the national team.
The federation credited Isabirye for helping raise the standard of the game through his work with the Uganda national team, where he nurtured and prepared players who went on to represent the country at regional and continental competitions.
His achievements with the UPDF Handball Team also earned special recognition. UHF noted that his professionalism, discipline and leadership helped build a competitive side while developing players who later excelled for both club and country.
Beyond elite competition, Isabirye’s influence stretched to educational institutions such as Ndejje University and St. Henry’s College Kitovu, where he introduced and mentored many young players.
The federation also applauded his commitment to grassroots development. Through coaching clinics, mentoring programmes and community initiatives across the country, Isabirye played a key role in taking handball beyond its traditional centres and discovering new talent.
Although retiring from active coaching, Isabirye has pledged to remain available to support the sport. UHF welcomed the move, saying his experience and guidance will continue to benefit Ugandan handball and the federation and the wider handball fraternity have wished Isabirye good health and success, while celebrating a legacy that has left a lasting mark on the sport.
George Isabirye,70 is also an experienced Woodball coach who has led the National Woodball team to the World Cup in Malaysia with players like Lillian Zawedde, Joyce Nalubega, Thomas Kedi, Joan Mukoova and Atamba
