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The Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes have secured qualification for the 2026 Women’s African Senior Nations Volleyball Championship after completing an unbeaten campaign at the Zone V Qualifiers with a commanding straight-sets victory over South Sudan.
Playing before an enthusiastic home crowd at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Saturday, Uganda cruised to a 3-0 win, taking the sets 25-13, 25-11 and 25-11 to finish top of the regional tournament and book their place at the continental showpiece.
The victory capped a flawless run for the Lady Cranes, who dominated the competition from May 31 to June 6 and underlined their status as the region’s leading women’s volleyball side.
Uganda’s supremacy was further reflected in the individual awards, with the hosts claiming four of the tournament’s top accolades.
Captain Joan Tushemerirwe was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and also walked away with the Best Opposite Hitter award after producing a series of outstanding performances throughout the competition.
Katreena Odermatt earned the Best Setter accolade for her influential role in directing Uganda’s attack, while Scovia Alungat was recognised as the Best Middle Blocker thanks to her commanding displays at the net.
Shamirah Kalanzi completed Uganda’s haul of honours after being named Best Libero for her exceptional defensive contributions.
The only awards to escape Uganda’s grasp went to Burundi’s Emmanuelle Ndayikengurukye, who was voted Best Server, and South Sudan’s Agor Cecilla, who claimed the Best Outside Hitter award.
Head coach Protus Soita praised his players for executing the team’s plans perfectly and maintaining focus throughout the tournament.
“Training was intense, and we chose this squad for their peak form and chemistry. We treated each game individually, but the expectation was always to dominate the zone. The ladies executed our tactical blueprint when it mattered most,” Soita said.
With regional qualification secured, the Lady Volleyball Cranes will now shift their focus to the 2026 Women’s African Senior Nations Volleyball Championship, scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5.
The tournament will carry added significance as it serves as a qualification pathway for both the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Poland and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
