The volleyball courts of Northern Uganda are buzzing with renewed energy once again. After a challenging year of silence and the sudden departure of the previous leadership, the Uganda Volleyball Federation has taken decisive action to breathe fresh life into the sport. On Tuesday, July 14, the Heldan Hotel in Gulu City became the stage for a historic turning point as a brand-new administration was ushered in to guide the Northern Uganda Volleyball Association, known as NUVA, toward a brighter and more structured future.
Leading this ambitious new chapter is Daniel Okwee, a respected sports administrator and journalist who was elected unopposed. His unanimous selection serves as a powerful vote of confidence in his ability to steer the association through its three-year mandate. Okwee is far from a newcomer; he is a veteran with a deep understanding of the game’s dynamics across Uganda and the wider East African region. According to Tonny Lakony, the Federation’s Technical Director, Okwee’s extensive experience is exactly what the association needs to reach unprecedented heights.
The newly formed Executive Committee is a powerhouse of talent and commitment. Joining Chairperson Okwee are Vice Chairperson Maxwel Kasozi, General Secretary Jane Etap, and Assistant General Secretary Daniel Walegu. The financial health of the association will be managed by Treasurer Kelvin Kinyera, while Francis Okot will represent the interests of secondary schools. A representative for primary schools is expected to join the ranks soon, completing a team that is fully dedicated to the success of the region.
This new administration is not wasting any time. Their primary focus is to build a robust technical foundation that ensures volleyball remains a cornerstone of the local sporting identity. Okwee has clearly stated that the priority is to revitalize volleyball within schools. By treating schools as the ultimate training ground, the association plans to create a steady stream of talent ready to feed into professional clubs.
Northern Uganda has a storied history of producing world-class athletes. From former National Team Captain Dickens Otim to international sensations like Daudi Okello and Sharon Amito, the region is a proven goldmine of talent. With a strategic plan currently in development, the association aims to ensure that names like Carlos Omua, Godfrey Onapa, and Marino Oboke are just the beginning of a long line of champions.
Encompassing the vibrant sub-regions of Acholi, Lango, and Karamoja, NUVA is ready to reclaim its place alongside the nation’s other regional powerhouses. This is more than just a change in management; it is a movement to restore pride, passion, and professional excellence to the heart of Northern Ugandan sports. The future of the game in the North has never looked more promising.