Kampala, Uganda | 16th July 2026

The Uganda Vocational and Technical Assessment Board (UVTAB) has officially been unveiled as a partner of the Ankole Cup 2026, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at advancing sports development through assessment, certification, and development of competency-based curriculum in Uganda.

The partnership was announced during a press conference held today, 16th July 2026, at Kati Kati Restaurant, where UVTAB joined a host of other sponsors and partners in reaffirming their commitment to the annual Ankole Cup tournament, which has become a platform for identifying and nurturing sporting talent from across the Ankole region. The Ankole Cup continues to attract support from key stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, sports administrators, coaches, trainers, corporate partners, and football enthusiasts, underscoring its growing importance in Uganda's sports ecosystem.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony by the Ankole Cup organising committee, UVTAB Principal Communications Officer, Mr Narasi Kambaho, described the partnership as a significant milestone in strengthening sports professionalism as part of the broader skills development agenda."This partnership marks the beginning of a shared commitment to professionalise sports in Uganda through assessment, certification, and development of competency-based curriculum for various sports occupations in Uganda", Mr Kambaho said. He noted that under the TVET Act, 2025, Section 77 (5), UVTAB is mandated to assess and certify competences obtained through formal and informal Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and develop TVET curricula and training packages across various occupations, including sports education and training.

"Working alongside fellow stakeholders, we aim to strengthen sports development from the grassroots to the national level, creating clear pathways for talented players to progress from competitions like the Ankole Cup into Uganda's leagues and beyond," he added.

Mr Kambaho emphasized that the partnership reflects UVTAB's commitment to ensuring that sports practitioners, including athletes, coaches, referees, trainers, and other professionals, have opportunities to acquire nationally recognised certification that enhances employability and professional growth. He expressed optimism that the collaboration would extend beyond this year's tournament to support the long-term development of sports as a lucrative professional career in Uganda.

The Ambassador for the players of the Ankole Cup, Paul Mucureezi, thanked UVTAB for partnering with the Ankole Cup tournament and applauded the Board's commitment to sports development. "I thank UVTAB for sponsoring the Ankole Cup 2026. This is a great initiative that will contribute to the growth of sports professions in our country," Mucurezi said. He encouraged participating teams and players to give their best throughout the tournament, noting that the partnership presents an added incentive for excellence on the pitch. "I encourage all players to work hard and compete fairly because opportunities await, including winning the Man of the Match award. Let this tournament be a platform to showcase your talent and discipline," he urged.

With preparations now in high gear, organisers anticipate one of the most competitive editions of the Ankole Cup, bringing together talented footballers, passionate fans, and a growing network of partners committed to promoting sports excellence.

Osborn Mushabe, Chairperson of the Organising Committee in charge of Publicity, commended the UVTAB for its sponsorship of the tournament, describing the Board's support as a significant contribution to its successful organisation. The sponsorship includes the provision of tracksuits for the two finalist teams and Members of Parliament, press jackets for media personnel, as well as sponsorship of the Man of the Match award and referees throughout the tournament. "UVTAB's contribution is a huge boost towards the success of the tournament, and we are indeed grateful for the sponsorship," Mushabe said.

For UVTAB, the partnership represents more than tournament sponsorship. It is an opportunity to align sports with skills development by supporting the sector's professionalisation through competency-based assessment, certification, and curriculum development for various sports professions.

As the Ankole Cup 2026 kicks off, UVTAB looks forward to a successful tournament and a fruitful partnership that will help build structured pathways for sports growth and development from grassroots competitions to national and international opportunities. UVTAB is going to work closely with the Sports academies, sports clubs and sports to streamline the conduct of assessment of trainees in the various sports disciplines, develop curricula for various sports occupations, including accreditation of Sports training academies as UVTAB Assessment Centre.