The National Council of Sports (NCS) has officially flagged off Uganda’s national Under-18 hockey teams ahead of the 2026 Africa U18 Hockey Cup scheduled for August 6-8 in Nairobi, Kenya.
The flag-off ceremony was held in Kampala on Tuesday and was presided over by Senior Sports Officer Ann Nankya, who represented the NCS General Secretary.
Uganda’s contingent departed for Nairobi on August 4 to compete against Africa’s top young hockey talent in a tournament that also serves as the African qualification event for the inaugural FIH Hockey5s U18 World Cup.
A total of 20 student-athletes, comprising 10 boys and 10 girls selected from secondary schools across the country, will represent Uganda. They are accompanied by coaches, team managers, medical personnel, technical officials and administrators.
The boys’ team will be captained by Daniel Alvin Kinyera of City High School, while Phionah Amaro of Kakungulu Memorial School will lead the girls’ side. Allan Masayi (Namilyango College) and Sylvia Ajok (Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga) have been named vice-captains.
During the ceremony, Nankya handed the national flag to the contingent and urged the players and officials to represent Uganda with discipline, determination and patriotism.
“As NCS, we strongly advocate for grassroots development, and these young athletes now carry the hopes of the country,” Nankya stated.
“Allow me to first congratulate you upon achieving this milestone of making the team.
“As you represent Uganda, maintain discipline, respect the rules and regulations both on and off the field of play, and conduct yourselves in a manner that sets an example for other nations.”
Stanley Tamale will serve as the team’s Chef de Mission. Vincent Arnold Kasasa and Martin Okello are the head coaches of the boys’ and girls’ teams respectively, while Joy Sserunjogi is the team doctor.
The Uganda Hockey Association thanked the Government of Uganda, the National Council of Sports, participating schools, parents, coaches, sponsors and the wider hockey fraternity for supporting the team’s preparations.
The association also called upon Ugandans to rally behind the young athletes as they seek qualification for the FIH Hockey5s U18 World Cup through a strong performance in Nairobi.
Team Uganda Athletes
Boys Team
| No. | Name | School | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul Hamid Ali | Kakungulu Memorial School | 16 |
| 2 | Ajlan Masayi | Namilyango College | 15 |
| 3 | Daniel Alvin Kinyera | City High School | 15 |
| 4 | Emmanuel Kabanda | Kakungulu Memorial School | 15 |
| 5 | Felix Ssendagire | Kyaddondo Secondary School | 18 |
| 6 | Fredrick Rwothomio | Kyaddondo Secondary School | 18 |
| 7 | Isaac Wanjala | King’s College Budo | 18 |
| 8 | John Bosco Nsubuga | St. Mary’s College Kisubi | — |
| 9 | Jonathan Lutimba | King’s College Budo | — |
| 10 | Yusuf Daki | Kakungulu Memorial School | 15 |
Girls Team
| No. | Name | School | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alicia Nassiwa | Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga | 16 |
| 2 | Cheryl Akol | Gayaza High School | 16 |
| 3 | Faith Marcella | Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga | 16 |
| 4 | Genevieve Letaru | Kololo Senior Secondary School | — |
| 5 | Joyce Taaka | Kakungulu Memorial School | 18 |
| 6 | Lillian Nelima | Kakungulu Memorial School | 16 |
| 7 | Mercy Atimango | Kakungulu Memorial School | 17 |
| 8 | Phionah Amaro | Kakungulu Memorial School | 17 |
| 9 | Sasha Bayita | Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga | 15 |
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