DAR ES SALAAM. Uganda’s Nile Queens ended a ten-year wait for the regional handball crown after edging Kenya 29–28 in Sunday’s IHF Nations Trophy Africa Zone V final.
The victory at the Filbert Bayi Multi-Sports Centre in Kibaha, Tanzania, also secured Uganda’s qualification for the 2026 African Women’s Handball Championship.
It was a rewarding turnaround for head coach Aziz Yakub’s side, who had lost 30–27 to the same opponents during the group stage.
With the title on the line, Uganda prevailed by a single goal to reclaim the crown they last won in 2016.
Yakub credits players’ resilience
Yakub praised his players and the Uganda Handball Federation after completing a campaign that tested the team’s ability to recover from setbacks.
“I am so happy that we won the IHF Nations Trophy today and also qualified for the African Cup of Nations that will take place in Tunisia from December 2 to 12, 2026,” Yakub said.
“I really thank God for this great achievement, I also thank my players for the resilience, a good fight and also the federation throughout the preparation. Thank you so, so much.”
Uganda began the five-day competition with a commanding 45–18 victory over Ethiopia on November 4 before losing to Kenya two days later. Competition Fixtures
That defeat left the Nile Queens facing Rwanda in a semi-final that required extra time to separate the teams.
Uganda appeared in control with a 17–11 half-time lead, but Rwanda recovered to force a 31–31 draw at the end of normal time.
The Queens eventually emerged 37–35 winners, securing another meeting with Kenya and an opportunity to reverse their earlier defeat.
Oliver Robinah Katusiime was named Player of the Match, while Joyce Namutosi led Uganda’s scoring with eight goals.
Royce Namutosi added seven, with Diana Nakamya and Claire Tabingwa contributing six apiece as Uganda survived their toughest test before the final.
Tunisia challenge awaits
Sunday’s victory renewed memories of Uganda’s 2016 success, when they also defeated Kenya in the final, winning 29–23.
A decade later, the margin was considerably narrower, but the result delivered the same reward: a regional title for the Nile Queens.
The triumph also secured a second consecutive appearance at the African Women’s Handball Championship, following Uganda’s participation in the 2024 edition.
Tunisia will host this year’s continental tournament from December 2–12, giving Yakub and his technical team less than a month to prepare.