The former Nationally Volleyball Team Coach, Shilla Omuriwe Buyungo, was appointed as a Fédération Internationale de Volleyball, which is the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Instructor where she will lead courses for volleyball coaches at levels 1, 2 and 3.
Shilla makes history as the first Ugandan to be appointed to this position. This follows the long-proven track of her involvement with the sport as a player, coach and mentor. Shilla is not new to being a trailblazer in women’s sports. She was the first female coach to lead the Uganda National Men’s team to the fifth position at the Africa Volleyball Championship in Rwanda in 2021. She became the first female coach to head a men’s National team at such a high level of competition on the continent ever since the tournament’s inception 53 years ago.
The Africa Volleyball Championship tournament serves as a key qualifying event for the Olympic Games, the FIVB Volleyball World Championships and the ranking of teams.
Shilla, who was attending an International Olympics media Women in Sports High Performance (WISH) mentorship program at the time of her appointment, will resume duties with the FIVB as soon as possible. Her involvement in such programs has shown her increased commitment as a coach to be a role model for women in sports. The WISH program is a 21-month program that aims at creating an environment for female coaches to learn and grow into elite leaders in their field.
Shilla played for the University of Bridgeport while obtaining her MBA. During her time in the United States, she played for teams West Port, Wilton and Fairfield. With her return back to Uganda, she held numerous coaching roles such as the KAVC, Kampala International School Uganda, Kyambogo University, Air Force Volleyball, and currently coaches Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) in the Uganda Volleyball Federation.
FIVB Instructors
FIVB Instructors are responsible for teaching aspiring coaches at levels 1, 2 and 3. They also engage in the evaluation of the trainees. The instructors are expected to participate in volleyball development programs across the globe to grow the sport. Shilla follows in the footsteps of Catherine Mabwi, Kenya, who was appointed FIVB Instructor in 2020.
To be appointed to the role, federations from across the world submit recommendations for candidates and after a thorough, rigorous process, a select group of coaches is announced as the next people to join the growing FIVB Instructors body.
Significance of Her Appointment
Her appointment is not only a win for Uganda, but for Africa as a whole, as this shows the steady growth of the sport on the continent. Moreso, it shows the commitment to having women in leadership positions and the diversity and inclusion of the FIVB. Shilla stands out as a role model for girls and women in the sports world and this is symbolic for those she inspires.
