Uganda men’s senior national handball team, the Nile Kings, has named its final squad for the 27th Men’s Handball African Cup of Nations, scheduled for January 21–31, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda.
The announcement brings months of preparation to a close as head coach Jimmy Remie Orotin settles on the group he trusts to represent Uganda on the continent’s biggest handball stage.
The squad blends experience with new energy. Players have been selected from the army, police, prisons, universities and schools, highlighting both the sport’s traditional backbone and its growing reach.
UPDF players form a strong core, reflecting the military’s continued role in Uganda’s handball development, while the inclusion of students points to a pipeline that is steadily expanding.
Gerald Pirwoth of Bombo Army SS and Abel Winta Mukiibi of UPDF anchor the goalkeeping and defensive options.
Experienced figures such as Edmond Omony, Francis Ongom and Medard Twine add leadership, while the attacking responsibility falls to a lively group that includes Daniel Bongomin, Sharifu Lukwago and Kenneth Tumuhirwe.
Young talent is also well represented. Keith Begumisa of Makerere University, Ignatius Anzoretu and Norbert Timothy Okolimong from Ndejje University, and Wagaba Prosper of Wampewo Ntake Secondary School all earn places, showing confidence in players ready to step up at continental level.
The squad also carries a touch of international experience through Lam Anthony Muzay, who plays for Rwanda’s APR. His familiarity with Kigali and the local environment could be a valuable asset.
Off the court, a full support team has been appointed. Assistant coach Patrick Owor Odora, goalkeeper coach Christopher Owor Onen, team doctor Barnabas Amanya and team manager Dan Musoke Kizito will work with the players, alongside media officer Valentine Omiella. Willy Mayanja will lead the delegation as head of delegation.
FINAL SQUAD
1. Pirwoth Gerald (Bombo Army SS)
2. Mukiibi Abel Winta (UPDF)
3. Omony Edmond (UPDF)
4. Bongomin Daniel (Police UG)
5. Ongom Francis (UPDF)
6. Twine Medard (UPDF)
7. Begumisa Keith (Makerere Uni.)
8. Anzoretu Ignatius (Ndejje Uni.)
9. Lukwago Sharifu (Prisons UG)
10. Tumuhirwe Kenneth (Police UG)
11. Wagaba Prosper (Wampewo Ntake Sec. School)
12. Okolimong Norbert Timothy (Ndejje Uni.)
13. Mumbere Bashir Kirani (UPDF)
14. Mukunzi Felix (UPDF)
15. Tibamwenda Vincent (UPDF)
16. Lam Anthony Muzay (APR RW)
17. Umar Isa (UPDF)
TEAM OFFICIALS
1. Orotin Jimmy Remie – Head Coach
2. Odora Patrick Owor – Assistant Coach
3. Onen Christopher Owor – Goalkeeper Coach
4. Amanya Barnabas – Team Doctor
5. Omiella Valentine – Team Media
6. Kizito Dan Musoke – Team Manager
7. Mayanja Willy – Head of Delegation
The Nile Kings have already arrived in Kigali, Rwanda for the continental showpiece and will compete in Group B of the tournament alongside strong teams like Egypt, Angola, and Gabon.
