Rwanda has proved to be the dominant force in the region when it comes to playing beach volleyball after both the men and women national teams won the 10th Castle Lite International Beach Volleyball Championship on Sunday at Lido Beach Entebbe, Uganda.

In the women’s category, Denyse Nzayisenga Charlotte Mutatsimpundu had to overcome hard fighting defending champions, Uganda’s Christine Alupo and Peace Busingye with the first set ending 24-22 before dominating the second set 21-14.

The Ugandan duo started strong often leading in both sets but dropped a couple of crucial rallies allowing the Rwandans to break away.

In the men’s fray, last year’s defending champions Uganda’s Emmanuel Kato / Nicholas Dheyongera also started well but stumbled towards the end of the first set losing it 18-21 and the second 10-21 to hand the Gold to Rwanda’s Flavien Ndamukunda / Pierre Marshal Kwizera.

Meanwhile, Kenyan ladies Gaudencia Makokha / Naomi Too settled for the Bronze after defeating Rwanda’s second team of Judith Hakizimana / Seraphine Mukantambara at tie-breaker (2-1) 21-14, 16-21, 15-11.

The men’s bronze was lifted by Rwanda’s second team Olivier Ntagengwa / Kavalo Patrick Akumuntu (2-1) 21-15, 21-15 against Uganda’s Isaac Omedo / Dickens Otim.

Namibia’s Laggner Julia / Hennes Rosi won (2-0) 21-19, 21-16 against Uganda’s Pajije Sharon / Adeke Vivian to take 5th position in the women’s while Kenya’s Donald Mchete/ James Mwaniki beat Uganda’s Deo Nsereko / Henry Bbaale also in straight sets 21-15, 21-15 on the men’s side.

Rwanda was using the competition as part of their preparations for next year’s Olympic Games Qualifiers. Overall, Rwanda bagged 3 medals, Uganda 2 and Kenya 1.

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