By Victor Turinawe
Uganda Christian University (UCU) volleyball teams, the UCU Doves and Lady Doves, are set to host the 18th edition of the university’s annual talent development tournament at the UCU Mukono Campus from August 22–23, 2026.
The tournament, formerly known as the UCU Open Volleyball Tournament, has been rebranded as the UCU Invitational Volleyball Tournament in a move aimed at improving organisation, coordination and competitiveness.
The two-day event is expected to attract 30 men’s teams and clubs, 18 women’s teams and clubs, 10 corporate clubs, and seven university teams.
Among the invited teams are Sport-S Club in both the men’s and women’s categories, KAVC Volleyball Club, Nemo Stars Volleyball Club, KCB Nkumba Women, UCU Mbale Campus, Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), Centenary Bank, and several other teams.
UCU volleyball team manager Paul Oba said the decision to change the tournament from an open competition to an invitational event was intended to bring greater order and discipline to the tournament.
Oba explained that in previous editions, some teams would arrive after the draws and groups had already been finalised, forcing organisers to find ways of accommodating them into the competition.
“In the last editions, we had teams coming to participate when we had already made the draws and groups for participating teams. Others would come in the afternoon when some teams had already played some games, but we had to find ways of accommodating them into the tournament,” Oba said.
He added that under the new system, teams must confirm their participation before the deadline.
“Failure to confirm your presence by August 20, 2026, means you will not be eligible to participate in the tournament,” he said.
UCU Doves strengthen squad.
As part of their preparations, the defending champions, UCU Doves, have strengthened their squad with four new players.
The new additions are David Kigozi from KAVC, Silver Owinjo from Elyon Club, Allan Arinda from Sport-S Club and Andrew Mugisha from Amus College School.
The additions are expected to provide the team with greater depth as it seeks to retain the tournament trophy on home soil.
UCU Doves captain Mark Omara Ochan said the team is working hard to defend its title.
“We are working hard to defend the tournament because we are the defending champions,” Ochan said.
He added that the technical team was ensuring the players were adequately prepared for the competition.
“Our coaches are making sure that the players are adequately prepared for that level. We also have a bigger workforce this season, which gives us more options and competition within the team,” he added.
Lady Doves unveil new players.
The UCU Lady Doves have also made changes to their squad ahead of the tournament, bringing in three new players following the departure of six members of the previous squad.
The new recruits are Grace Anyait from Amus College School, Patience Ajapo from Iganga Secondary School and Khusuna Nakayima from Mariam High School.
They replace Hope Charity Operede, Novelyne Naio Naio, Joseline Akurut, Patricia Alado, Daphine Kukundakwe and Evas Nayebare, who have since left the team.
Lady Doves captain Margaret Akampurira said the team has intensified preparations following its participation in the Neko Muduse Memorial Tournament last month.
“After participating in the Neko Muduse Memorial Tournament last month, we are now focusing on the UCU Invitational Volleyball Tournament,” Akampurira said.
She explained that the team has been conducting both morning and evening training sessions, with coaches paying particular attention to individual weaknesses.
“We have been doing our best through morning and evening training sessions, where we focus on individual players and work on their weaknesses. We are hopeful that all this preparation will help us perform better and compete for more trophies and wins,” she added.
The tournament will take place at UCU Mukono Campus from August 22–23, 2026, with participating teams required to confirm their attendance by August 20.
