Every remarkable journey begins with a spark of inspiration. For me, that spark ignited in the corridors of Ntungamo Girls High School, where I first discovered my passion for volleyball. I vividly remember watching the school’s athletes move proudly in the bus for competitions, receiving admiration and special recognition from teachers and fellow students. Their energy, unity, and sense of purpose inspired me deeply. I wanted to be part of that world—a world of teamwork, discipline, and dedication.
In Senior One, I joined the volleyball team, not as a player, but as the team’s first aid provider. I was responsible for the first aid kit and always accompanied the team to matches and training sessions. My teammates affectionately called me the “Kitgirl.” While I did not play on the court, I used every opportunity to observe, learn, and understand the game’s rhythm and strategy. Slowly, through persistence and curiosity, I began to train alongside the players.
By Senior Three, my dedication had borne fruit—I officially became part of the playing team. What had begun as admiration from the sidelines transformed into active participation on the court. By Senior Four, I had developed into one of the team’s most trusted and reliable players. My journey was, however, not without challenges. Despite our team’s consistent performance, we often reached only the Zonal Ball Games II level. The one time we qualified for the next stage, the school administration was unable to facilitate our participation. It was a painful experience, but it taught me resilience and the importance of playing for passion rather than reward.
After completing my O-Level, I continued my education at Ntungamo High School for A-Level, where I sustained my love for volleyball. The sport had become part of my identity, shaping my confidence, friendships, and sense of belonging. When I joined Kabale University, volleyball evolved from a school activity into a lifelong pursuit. Representing the university has offered me opportunities to play in numerous leagues and tournaments, where I have met athletes from diverse backgrounds and learned from their experiences.
One of my most memorable achievements was participating in the East African Women’s Volleyball Tournament, where our team proudly emerged third overall. That moment remains one of the greatest highlights of my sporting journey—a testament to teamwork, endurance, and shared victory. My engagement with volleyball extended beyond playing. After joining Kabale University, I successfully completed the Level One Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) Referees Course, which equipped me with the skills and certification to officiate matches.
Since then, I have had the privilege of officiating games at both local and national levels, gaining a new appreciation for the rules, discipline, and fairness that govern the sport. Balancing the dual roles of player and referee has enriched my understanding of the game and strengthened my leadership abilities both on and off the court. Among the most transformative experiences in my volleyball journey has been my participation in the Healing Heart League.
This league has offered me a unique platform to explore and strengthen my dual identity as both a player and a referee. Representing Kabale University in this league has been deeply fulfilling—it has allowed me to showcase the skills I have nurtured over the years while also mentoring younger players. On days when I am not playing, I take on the whistle as a referee, ensuring that the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship prevails. The Healing Heart League is more than just a competition; it is a vibrant community that promotes emotional wellness, teamwork, and personal growth through sport.
It has taught me the power of balance—between passion and responsibility, between competition and compassion. Every game, whether played or officiated, reminds me that volleyball is not merely a sport but a channel for healing, connection, and purpose. Looking back, my journey from Kitgirl to a seasoned player and referee reflects a story of perseverance, self-belief, and evolution. Volleyball has shaped my character, discipline, and leadership in ways I could never have imagined when I first carried that small first aid kit.
Today, I stand proud—not just as a player representing Kabale University, but as a woman whose love for the game continues to grow, inspiring others to chase their dreams regardless of where they begin.
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