Uganda’s men’s and women’s national Kabaddi teams have been officially flagged off for the 2026 Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship in India, with the athletes urged to represent the country with determination and deliver commendable performances.
The flag-off ceremony was held at Copper Chimney Restaurant in Lugogo, Kampala, on Friday, October 16, 2026, and was presided over by National Council of Sports (NCS) Assistant General Secretary Milton Chebet.
The event was attended by Uganda Olympic Committee representatives, Kabaddi Federation of Uganda officials, coaches, players and other partners.
Chebet challenged the two teams to demonstrate commitment and fight for national pride as they prepare for the international assignment.
“I am happy to be flagging you off to India for the 2026 Commonwealth championship. Please, work tirelessly and deliver to the best of your expectations,” Chebet said.
He commended the federation, athletes, technical teams, sponsors and media for their collective contribution towards preparing the teams for the championship.
Chebet subsequently handed over the national flags to the team captains, Olivia Nalubega and Douglas Mulalira, as a symbolic gesture ahead of their departure.
Mulalira expressed confidence in the teams’ preparedness, citing the training sessions undertaken in the build-up to the competition.
“From the training sessions we have held over time, I am confident that the team is ready for action in the Commonwealth Championship.
We thank our coaches, the federation, National Council of Sports, Plascon, and other partners plus the media for the support,” Mulalira said.
Kabaddi Federation of Uganda president Jacob Kato, accompanied by general secretary Edgar Mujuni, also praised the players for their dedication throughout the training programme and acknowledged the support provided by NCS, Plascon and other partners.
The Ugandan delegation is scheduled to depart Entebbe International Airport on Monday, October 19, aboard Qatar Airways.
Both teams will be seeking to make a strong impression at the championship as Uganda continues to develop its presence in Kabaddi on the international stage.
UGANDA DELEGATION
Women: Olivia Nalubega (captain), Dorothy Nagawa, Nahia Nalwoga, Jemima Zalwango, Shirat Nakayongo, Muhammed Botul, Ademun Kolostika, Beatrice Namataka, Jesca Nayiga, Faustine Nabasa, Catherine Nabowa, Salim Namuleme Walda, Cathy Nabwegamo and Sandra Mbatudde.
Men: Daglas Mulalira (captain), Jimmy Ssengendo, Frank Kamoga, Mubarak Wandeka, Stanley Gombe, Mark Carnol Okidi, Innocent Ngabirano, Derrick Ibanda, Gasta Tenywa, Rayan Tamusuza, Rahim Ssekamatte, Isaac Wanyaka, Simon Mutebi and Valentino Semujju.
UGANDA KABADDI DELEGATION – OFFICIALS
President: Jacob Kato
General Secretary: Edgar Mujuni
Uganda Olympic Committee Member: Robert Jjagwe
Men’s Head Coach: John Nsibambi Sserubungo
Men’s Assistant Coach: Patrick Samuel Lubwama
Women’s Head Coach: Jane Babiiha Birungi
Women’s Assistant Coach: Aminah Mukasa
Women’s Team Manager: Ismail Waliggo
Men’s Team Manager: Moses Babiiha
International Technical Official (ITO): Brenda Namusisi
International Technical Official (ITO): Solomon Dominic Olal
