Uganda’s Handball Federation (UHF) is racing against the clock as financial constraints threaten to overshadow the country’s landmark debut at the Africa Nations Handball Championship in Kigali, Rwanda. With just days to go, the federation needs UGX 400 million to cover accommodation, player allowances, transport, and other essential logistics, funds that remain painfully out of reach.
UHF President Sheila Richardson Agonzibwa has issued an urgent appeal to the public, private sector, and well-wishers to rally behind the team. “We call upon the public and companies to stand with us,” she said, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Already burdened by arrears from past engagements, the federation is struggling to keep preparations on track.
The financial crisis comes at a critical moment, as the Africa Nations Handball Championship doubles as a qualification pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games. Uganda’s national team, the Nile Kings, will face a baptism of fire in Group B against continental powerhouses Egypt, Gabon, and Angola, fixtures that demand peak readiness both mentally and physically.
Before heading to Kigali, Uganda will host the East and Central Africa Handball Championship in Kampala, a vital preparatory event that the technical staff hopes will sharpen the team’s competitiveness. The tournament is expected to provide valuable match intensity and tactical refinement ahead of the continental challenge.
Despite the hurdles, the Nile Kings remain determined to make a statement on both regional and continental stages. Their dream, however, hinges on urgent financial intervention from supporters willing to push the nation’s handball ambitions to new heights.
