Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA) President Twesiime Liberty has urged corporate sponsors to invest in the fast-growing sport as the 2025 Uganda National Lacrosse League (UNLL) prepares to kick off on April 20.
Speaking after the just-concluded Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) Annual General Meeting at Sheraton Hotel Kampala, Liberty emphasized the league’s role in shaping Uganda’s lacrosse future and its crucial link to Olympic qualification.
“As we embark on another exciting season, we need more partners to come on board,” Liberty said. “Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in Uganda, and with the Olympic qualifiers ahead, we must ensure our players have the best facilities, equipment, and training opportunities to compete at the highest level.”
The UNLL, Uganda’s premier lacrosse competition, has grown significantly in recent years, rebounding from challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and administrative setbacks.
The league returned in 2024 with an exciting season opener at Makerere University Business School (MUBS), where the Buroni Panthers secured a commanding 14-7 victory over Blink Kobs Lacrosse Club, fueled by Anwar Rodgers’ five-goal performance.
The 2025 season marks another milestone for the sport, with the league expanding to include new teams like MUBS, Bombo Army High School, and St. Mary’s High School Zirobwe.
These additions complement established clubs such as the Panthers Lacrosse Club, Warriors Lacrosse Club, and Jinja Nile Zulus. The men’s division now features eight teams, while the women’s competition has grown to seven. Liberty highlighted this expansion as a sign of lacrosse’s increasing popularity, particularly among schools and universities.
“This growth is proof of the sport’s impact,” he noted. “We are seeing more young players embracing lacrosse, and that means we have to provide the necessary resources to nurture this talent. With the right support, Uganda can not only dominate in Africa but also make history at the Olympics.”
Beyond local development, the UNLL has attracted international players like Jack Sprinkle and Tristan Kruse from the USA, who bring valuable experience and mentorship to Ugandan athletes.
The league follows a structured round-robin format with home-and-away matches, leading to playoffs that determine the national champions.
Crucially, the league serves as a foundation for Uganda’s national teams, keeping players in top shape for international tournaments, including the African qualifiers for the 2026 Women’s World Championship and the highly anticipated battle for a spot at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Liberty acknowledged the challenge ahead, particularly against regional rivals like Kenya, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, but remained optimistic about Uganda’s chances.
“To qualify for the Olympics, we need consistency, discipline, and investment. That’s why corporate sponsorship is so vital. Companies that support this journey will be part of a historic movement, not just in Uganda but in African lacrosse,” he said.
