Eastern Uganda Volleyball League returns with expanded line-up

At least eleven clubs have confirmed participation in the sixth edition of the Eastern Uganda Volleyball League, which is scheduled to roll off in early February 2026 at Kumi University grounds, Kumi District.

According to Stephen Onyait, chairperson of the Eastern Uganda Volleyball Association, five new clubs have joined the competition this season.

The new entrants include Uganda Christian University Mbale, Soroti Elites, Amuria Volleyball Club, Earthquake, Mbale City, and Tororo Girls.

These clubs will compete alongside established sides such as Amus, Bukedea Mission, Painters, Kumi University, Northern, Soroti Elites, and Nauyo Volleyball Club, bringing the total number of participating teams to 12. Matches will be played in a round-robin format before advancing to the playoffs.

James Edeku, captain of Amuria Volleyball Club, expressed optimism despite acknowledging the challenges of their debut season.

“I know it’s going to be tough since it’s our first appearance in the league, but we shall try our best to see that the team shines,” Edeku said.

He added that Amuria had missed the competition for some time but is now eager to return. “We are going to compete and hope that we can take the trophy and also be elevated to play in Serie B.”

Jonathan Oumo, coach of Amus College Volleyball Club, is equally confident. He believes his team will secure promotion to Serie B this season after narrowly missing out last year, when they lost 3–1 to Bukedea Comprehensive in the final game played at Amus College grounds.

The Eastern Uganda Volleyball League, supervised by the Uganda Volleyball Federation, has already seen clubs such as Bukedea Mission, Nyero Painters, E-Planet, and Soroti Elites earn promotion to Serie B.

Emmanuel Ekarac, general secretary of the Eastern Uganda Volleyball Association, emphasized the league’s role in nurturing talent.

“Our dream is to see volleyball teams in Eastern Uganda join the league. Over the last eight years, the competition has unearthed grassroots talent, some of whom are now showcasing their skills in Serie B and Serie A,” Ekarac said.

This year’s edition is expected to feature 12 boys’ teams and 4 girls’ teams, competing in their respective categories. Winners will earn promotion to Serie B, further strengthening the pathway for volleyball talent in the region.