Strong start for Uganda women at Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship

CAVB Zone V Beach Championship ( Burundi)

Thursday 23rd 

Women 
Uganda 2 Kenya 0

Uganda kicked off its campaign at the CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship in Bujumbura, Burundi, with an emphatic win as the women’s team defeated Kenya 2–0 in their opening match on Thursday, October 23, at Eden Garden Resort.

The victory marked a strong start for Team Uganda in the regional tournament, which runs from October 23 to 25, with teams scheduled to depart on October 26.

The Ugandan duo of Nancy Sombei Chebet and Peace Busingye delivered a dominant performance against Kenya’s Esther Mwise and Ann Akiru Ekuam, winning in straight sets (21–13, 21–06).

Head coach and Beach Volleyball Commission leader Edward Bwenje expressed confidence in the team’s ambitions, stating that the primary goal is to finish among the top three in both the men’s and women’s categories.

“Our main target is to break into the top three in both categories. It’s going to be a tough challenge because other countries have also prepared well, but we’re ready to compete,” Bwenje said.

This year’s championship has drawn participation from five countries, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and Sudan—with seven women’s teams and eight men’s teams competing in two pools each.

Uganda is fielding two pairs: Nancy Sombei Chebet and Peace Busingye in the women’s category, and Innocent Ayo and Isaac Ogusul in the men’s category. The team is under the guidance of Coach Bwenje, while Phoebe Tucungwire is serving as Uganda’s official referee at the tournament.

This marks Uganda’s third appearance at the Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship. In the previous edition, the team finished fifth, and this year they are aiming for a significantly improved result.

Coach Bwenje emphasized the importance of consistent participation in international competitions, noting that it helps build team strength and confidence.

“This tournament is important for exposure and experience. Our players get the opportunity to learn from other teams and grow,” he said prior to departure.

Draws for the championship

Men’s Pool A
1. Ogusul Isaac / Ayo Innocent – Uganda
2. Kirwa Elphas / Kiplagat Betwel – Kenya
3. Saidi Alhaji / Selemani Hassani – Tanzania
4. Manariyo Florian / Gakiza Don Carmel – Burundi

Men’s Pool B
1. Ndayisaba Don Diamel / Igirineza Engambe – Burundi
2. Tuyaga Jean Luc / Mukunzi Christ Ornel – Burundi
3. Kipchirchir Reagan / Kipkirui Emmanuel – Kenya
4. Omer Ibrahim Hassan / Mohammed Naser – Sudan

Women’s Pool A
1. Kamwemwe Gynette / Myandagaro Blonia – Burundi
2. Igiraneza Emelyne / Buntubwimana Nadia – Burundi
3. Albert Evalyne / Omary Mariam – Tanzania

Women’s Pool B
1. Chebet Nancy / Busingye Peace – Uganda
2. Ndayikengurukiye Emmanuelie / Irakoze Pamela – Burundi
3. Mwise Esther / Akiru Ekuam Ann – Kenya
4. Chepkemei Edda / Jepkogie Sharon – Kenya