By Andrew Gum
The bustling arenas of Kampala, Uganda, played host to the CAVB Zone V Volleyball Club Championship from 26 February to 4 March 2025. This marked the first edition of the tournament under the presidency of Sadik Nasiwu. Uganda welcomed over 20 teams from 12 countries to the Lugogo Indoor Stadium and Old Kampala Sports Arena. Rwanda’s APR emerged as the undisputed champions, clinching gold in both the men’s and women’s finals, outshining their Ugandan rivals and other competitors with remarkable skill and strategy.
Ugandan men’s team falls short
The Ugandan men’s teams, led by Sport-S Volleyball Club, entered the tournament with high expectations. They displayed moments of brilliance, thrilling the home crowd with powerful spikes and spirited rallies. Sport-S fought valiantly through the preliminary rounds, demonstrating exceptional athleticism against regional giants such as Kenya’s Prisons and Ethiopia’s Wolaita.
However, their campaign faltered in the semi-finals, where they faced Rwanda’s APR Volleyball Club. APR’s disciplined defence and precise setting, orchestrated by Paul Akan—who was later named MVP and Best Setter—proved too formidable for the hosts. Uganda’s dream of a podium finish slipped away as Sport-S saw their journey end at the semi-final stage.
Ndejje Elites’ brave fight in women’s category
On the women’s side, Uganda’s Ndejje Elites carried the nation’s hopes. Known for their gritty determination, they navigated a tough group that included Tanzania’s Jeshi and Rwanda’s Police.
Ndejje’s standout player, Peace Busingye, delivered thunderous attacks, igniting cheers from the stands. However, their journey ended in the quarter-finals against a relentless APR women’s team. The Rwandans, powered by an MVP-worthy performance from Jeanne Mpuhwezimana, outmanoeuvred Ndejje with a blend of speed and strategy, exposing gaps in the Ugandan defence. The hosts’ efforts were applauded, but they ultimately fell short.
Rwanda’s APR clinches double victory
Rwanda’s dominance was the defining story of the tournament. In the men’s final, APR faced off against compatriots Police Volleyball Club in a clash that showcased the depth of Rwandan talent. The thrilling four-set encounter (26-24, 19-25, 25-18, 25-21) saw APR emerge victorious, their cohesion and resilience shining through.
The women’s final was equally gripping, as APR toppled the defending champions, Kenya Pipeline Company, in a nail-biting contest (20-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-23). This historic victory marked the first time a Rwandan women’s team had defeated a Kenyan side in this championship, further solidifying APR’s dominance in the region.
Uganda reflects on a well-hosted tournament
Uganda was proud to host the championship and successfully managed the event. The fans were captivated by the competition, and the nation demonstrated its capability to organise a high-profile tournament. However, on the court, Uganda’s teams fell short against Rwanda’s superior skills and teamwork. While Sport-S and Ndejje fought bravely, APR’s strength proved insurmountable, leaving Uganda with valuable lessons for future tournaments.
Prize money, rewards
The winners of the competition were awarded UGX 5 million, while the runners-up received UGX 3 million. The third-place team was awarded UGX 1.5 million, acknowledging their commendable performances in the tournament.
With Rwanda’s APR reigning supreme, the region’s volleyball landscape has been redefined, leaving Uganda and other contenders with the challenge of regrouping and strategising for the next edition.
