Road to World Cup begins as Uganda U-18 Hockey Teams depart for Nairobi
The road to the world stage officially began on Tuesday morning as Uganda’s Under-18 Hockey teams were ceremonially flagged off at the National Council of Sports (NCS) headquarters in Lugogo ahead of the 2026 Africa U18 Hockey Cup in Nairobi, Kenya.
With Uganda’s national flag proudly handed over to the youthful contingent, emotions of excitement, pride and responsibility filled the room as players, coaches, parents and hockey administrators gathered to witness the country’s next generation embark on what could become a historic journey.
The tournament, scheduled for August 6-8 in Nairobi, doubles as the African qualifier for the inaugural FIH Hockey5s U18 World Cup. For Uganda, qualification would not simply be another continental success; it would mark the country’s return to a global team hockey event for the first time in decades and announce a new era for Ugandan hockey.
Representing the General Secretary of the National Council of Sports, Dr Bernard Patrick Ogwel, Senior Sports Officer Sarah Nankya officially flagged off the team and challenged the players to carry Uganda’s hopes with pride, discipline and determination.
“Today marks an important milestone as we officially send off this gallant team to Nairobi,” Nankya said.
“This is not only a celebration of your achievements but also a reminder of the responsibility that comes with representing Uganda. You carry with you the hopes and aspirations of a nation that believes in your ability.”
Speaking both as a sports administrator and as a parent of a hockey player herself, Nankya acknowledged the sacrifices made by families and schools in nurturing young athletes.
“I know what it means to raise an athlete,” she told the gathering.
“The financial commitment, balancing school fees and sports, and the constant encouragement parents give deserve appreciation. Thank you for believing in these children,” she echoed to the parents.
She reminded the players that medals alone would not define their success.
“Every match is an opportunity to inspire others back home. Success is measured not only by victories but also by commitment, integrity and sportsmanship.”
She urged the captains to ensure discipline throughout the trip, reminding the squad that they would be ambassadors of Uganda on and off the pitch.
“Represent Uganda with discipline. Respect your opponents. Play hard, but play fairly. Go with confidence, compete with passion and return home with pride.”
Uganda Hockey Association President Philip Wafula described the championship as a landmark moment for Ugandan hockey.
For the first time, Africa’s Under-18 Hockey Championship will serve as a World Cup qualifier, allowing two teams to book tickets to the inaugural global event.
“We hope they come back as champions,” Wafula said.
“There are two qualification slots available, and we believe Uganda can claim one of them.”
He noted that qualification would represent Uganda’s return to a world hockey team competition after decades, making the Nairobi assignment far bigger than a normal junior championship.
Wafula also praised the parents whose sacrifices often go unnoticed.
“They have been our heroes, bringing these athletes to training and competitions at their own cost. We appreciate them immensely, and we promise to take good care of their children while we are away.”
He assured parents that the Association, with support from the National Council of Sports, would ensure the players’ welfare throughout the tournament.
One of the most touching moments of the ceremony came when parents were invited to speak; rather than focusing on winning medals, they challenged the players to view the tournament as the beginning of something much bigger.
“This is the foundation of your future,” one parent told the athletes.
“Do not just go to participate. Go to compete. Play to win.”
The parent encouraged the youngsters to embrace teamwork, remain focused and understand that opportunities such as representing Uganda do not come often.
“We shall be behind you all the way.”
The 20-player squad comprises ten boys and ten girls selected from secondary schools across Uganda.
The squad draws players from institutions including Kakungulu Memorial School, Namilyango College, King’s College Budo, City High School, St. Mary’s College Kisubi, Kyaddondo Secondary School, Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga, Gayaza High School and Kololo Secondary School.
Leading Uganda’s boys will be Daniel Alvin Kinyera of City High School, assisted by Allan Masayi of Namilyango College.
The girls will be captained by Phionah Amaro of Kakungulu Memorial School, with Sylvia Ajok of Mt. St. Mary’s College Namagunga serving as vice captain.
Behind the players is an experienced technical team headed by girls’ coach Martin Okello, boys’ coach Vincent Arnold Kasasa, together with managers, medical personnel, safeguarding officials, technical officials and administrators committed to guiding the young athletes through the championship.
The journey begins in Nairobi. The destination, Uganda hopes, is the inaugural FIH Hockey5s U18 World Cup.
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