Uganda’s handball fraternity is gearing up for a historic and action packed close to the year, with the East and Central Africa Federation (ECAF) Club Championship set for December 27–January 1, before the national team heads straight into its first ever appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for men (Nile Kings).
The two major engagements were confirmed during a briefing attended by federation executives like Uganda Handball Federation President Sheila Agonzibwa Richardson, Mayanja Willy (Vice President Technical), Carl Augastine (General Secretary), Musoke Dan (Chairman COC) and Kasala Vincent (Assistant General Secretary), who outlined plans, expectations, and the significance of this new chapter for Ugandan handball.
Uganda will host the annual ECAF Club Championship from December 27 to January 1, a competition that attracts top clubs from across East and Central Africa.
Both men’s and women’s teams will compete, with champions from Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Sudan expected to participate.
President of the federation noted that ECAF, being a club-run championship, comes with less pressure for the governing body.
“Clubs take charge of their own welfare, supporters, sponsors, logistics, they manage themselves,” she said.
“Our role is mainly coordination. We’re excited because Congo always brings the best, and that level of experience raises the quality of the competition.”
Several Ugandan clubs are already in camp preparing for the event, which will also serve as a platform for local talent ahead of the AFCON national team selection.
Immediately after ECAF, Uganda’s men’s national team travels to Kigali for the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Rwanda from January 19 to February 2.
This will be Uganda’s first appearance at the continental men’s championship, an achievement federation leaders described as “a dream come true.”
“This is the 27th edition of AFCON, and it’s our very first time taking part,” said Mayanja Willy the federation Vice President, Technical.
“It’s a huge opportunity for our players to showcase their talent and prove what Uganda can do on the African stage.”
Uganda has been drawn into Group B, a group officials openly described as “a group of death.”
The Nile Kings will face:
• Egypt – Africa’s number one seed
• Angola – seeded number three
• Gabon – long-time continental campaigners
• Uganda – debutants
“It’s a tough group, but we believe in our players,” Mayanja emphasized.
“All we need is good preparation and determination.”
Speaking passionately, the federation President Sheila Agonzibwa reiterated the importance of Uganda’s AFCON debut, especially after the women’s team climbed from 27th to 11th in Africa in recent years.
“The girls have shown it is possible,” she said.
“Now we want to do the same for the boys. Going to AFCON exposes you, gets you ranked, and opens doors to major tournaments.”
She clarified that preparations are beginning now because the AFCON draws were only released the previous Friday.
“There was no way we could start planning before knowing our group,” she noted.
“Now that the draws are out, we are ready to begin mobilizing support.”
The national team will travel by road to reduce costs, with the entire AFCON budget estimated at around UGX 400 million.
Accommodation, fixed by the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB), will cost 80 euros per person per night, making this Uganda’s most expensive handball assignment yet.
Uganda is allowed to take up to 18 players, though only 16 can feature in any match.
Training will begin with a hybrid system, combining club sessions and national team drills twice a week.
Full residential preparation will start after the ECAF championship ends on January 1.
The final squad will be announced this Friday.
Across the entire briefing, the message was clear: Uganda’s historic AFCON debut needs unity, support, and belief.
“We ask our fans and partners to stand with us,” the President Agonzibwa said.
“This has been our dream, and now that the opportunity is here, we want to make it count.”
With club teams set to light up Kampala at the end of December and the men’s national team preparing for its greatest challenge yet, Ugandan handball is heading into one of its most significant seasons in recent memory.
