The National Council of Sports (NCS) has challenged Uganda's female handball players to treat their careers as brands, using social media and professional discipline to open doors beyond the court. The call came on Monday as the national women's team was officially flagged off ahead of its trip to Kibaha, Tanzania, for the IHF Women's Trophy Zone V Championship.
Accountability Tied to Government Funding
Speaking at the ceremony, NCS Assistant General Secretary Milton Chebet said the government remains committed to supporting sports through funding, but stressed that such investment comes with expectations. He explained that accountability must go beyond money, extending to activity reports and international results that demonstrate the value of public support.
Chebet also urged the athletes to make the most of the digital age. He encouraged them to promote handball on platforms such as Instagram and X, describing a strong online presence as one of the ways players can market themselves as global ambassadors for the sport.
Road to the Africa Cup
The regional tournament is set to run from November 4 to 8 in Kibaha, Tanzania. The two top-placed teams will earn automatic qualification for the continental Africa Cup, adding significant weight to every match on the schedule.
Uganda Handball Federation (UHF) President Fredrick Balenzi expressed gratitude to the International Handball Federation (IHF) and the government through the NCS for backing the team's campaign. He noted that the IHF has covered transport, accommodation, and meals in full, leaving the federation focused on finalising player allowances.
Balenzi said the federation was humbled that the NCS had recognised its efforts and officially flagged the team off, a gesture he described as a boost to morale ahead of the regional contest.
A 16-Woman Squad Ready to Compete
Uganda is travelling with a 16-woman squad determined to win the championship and secure a place on the continental stage. The players named are Brenda Adokorach, Robinah Katusiime Oliver, Gloria Amongi, Namajja Aisha, Claire Tabingwa, Mary Akech, Shakira Bako Agarile, Royce Namutosi, Barbra Nantume, Patience Damulira, Diana Nakamya, Hilda Abangit, Priscillah Aber, Joyce Patience Namutosi, Noelina Amongin, and Yvonne Nakirya Tiane.
The delegation will be guided by officials Aziz Yakub, Jimmy Orotin Remie, Maliza Martha, and Fredrick Balenzi.
For the players, the message from the flag-off was clear: perform on the court, report transparently, and build a public profile that can carry Ugandan handball to new audiences. The coming days in Kibaha will show whether that blend of ambition and accountability can translate into a ticket to the Africa Cup.
