The Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes are just one victory away from securing qualification for the 2026 CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship after making a commanding start to their campaign at the CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers in Kampala.
The hosts opened their tournament with a convincing victory over Burundi, putting themselves firmly in control of the race for the sole qualification slot available in the competition.
Coached by Protus Soita, Uganda produced a dominant display, overpowering Burundi in all facets of the game.
Receiver-attacker Catherine Ainembabazi led the charge with 12 points as the Lady Cranes underlined their status as tournament favourites.
A victory over South Sudan in their second and final match on Friday would guarantee Uganda’s return to the continental showpiece.
With only three nations-Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan-competing in the women’s category, the qualifiers are being played in a round-robin format, with the team finishing top of the standings earning qualification to the African Championship.
Backed by home support and buoyed by their impressive opening performance, the Lady Cranes head into the decisive encounter full of confidence.
Uganda are widely regarded as favourites to claim the ticket, especially with regional powerhouses Kenya and Rwanda, as well as continental giants Egypt, absent from the competition in Kampala.
‘We served well against Burundi and we have to maintain that in the next game,’ receiver-attacker Claire Najjuko said ahead of Uganda’s crucial clash against South Sudan.
For the Lady Cranes, the equation is straightforward: one more victory and a place at the African Championship will be secured.
The 2026 CAVB African Nations Volleyball Championship is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5.
Meanwhile, attention on Thursday shifts to the men’s competition, where Kenya face South Sudan before hosts Uganda conclude their campaign.
CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers
Thursday Fixtures
Kenya vs South Sudan, 6pm
Uganda vs Tanzania, 8pm