Stiff competition expected as 32nd Dr. Aporu Okol International Memorial Volleyball Championship Serves Off in Kumi

By Emmanuel Sekago

All roads lead to Kumi Boma Grounds this weekend as the 32nd edition of the Dr. Aporu Okol International Memorial Volleyball Championship gets underway on Friday, June 12, 2026.

The three-day tournament, one of Uganda’s most prestigious grassroots volleyball competitions, will climax on Sunday, June 14, and promises intense competition after attracting a record 100 teams from Uganda and neighboring countries.

Speaking to the media ahead of the championship, the Chairperson of the Kumi District Volleyball Association revealed that this year’s edition has registered a significant increase in participation compared to previous years, a clear indication of the tournament’s growing popularity and influence across the East African region.

“We are excited by the overwhelming response this year. We have registered over 100 teams drawn from various categories, including institutions, corporate organizations, primary schools, secondary schools, clubs, and teams from neighboring countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan,” he said.

The annual championship is held in memory of the late Dr. Aporu Okol, one of Uganda’s most celebrated volleyball personalities whose contribution to sports and public service continues to inspire generations.

Beyond his achievements on the volleyball court, Dr. Aporu was widely respected for his exemplary leadership and service to the nation. Renowned for his excellent blocking abilities, outstanding court coverage, reliable service reception, and sportsmanship, he remains one of the most iconic figures in Uganda’s volleyball history.

Away from sports, Dr. Aporu distinguished himself as a civil servant and politician, rising from the position of Local Government Veterinary Officer to become Deputy Minister of Animal Industry and Fisheries in 1986.

“It is our responsibility to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Aporu Okol through this tournament. He embodied discipline, excellence, leadership, and service, values that continue to guide the growth of volleyball in Uganda today,” the association chairperson noted.

As teams prepare for action, defending champions Bukedea Comprehensive School will be among the major attractions in the secondary school’s category after dominating last year’s competition.

Bukedea Comprehensive School successfully captured both the boys’ and girls’ titles in 2025. The boys’ team edged Amus College School 2-1 in a thrilling final, while the girls’ side overcame Ngora High School by the same score line to complete a memorable double.

In the primary school’s category, Mary McAleese Primary School claimed the boys’ championship, while Ngora Township Primary School emerged winners in the girls’ division.

With participation from elite schools, corporate teams, clubs, institutions, and international guests, this year’s championship is expected to showcase some of the finest volleyball talent in East Africa while continuing to strengthen regional sports cooperation and talent development.

Fans can expect three days of exciting action, fierce rivalries, and high-quality volleyball as teams battle for top honors in a tournament that has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s volleyball calendar.

As the first whistle blows on Friday morning, Kumi Boma Grounds will once again become the center of volleyball excellence, honoring the enduring legacy of Dr. Aporu Okol while providing a platform for the next generation of stars to shine.