Two Ugandans Sign Developmental Contracts with the Seibu Lions

Pacific League TV reports that the Seibu Lions made history two days ago on November 20th by signing Ugandan pitchers Kyazze Fred and Isabirye Musa Azed to developmental contracts. They are the first Ugandan players to sign with an NPB team.

Kyazze Fred is generally considered to be the most developed pitcher in Uganda. He was in the Dodgers' academy in Uganda for two years until he departed at the end of 2024. His fastball tops out around 95-96mph. Here is video of him throwing.

Isabirye Musa Azed is the younger of the two pitchers, I believe he is still 19 or 20. He has some work to do as far as becoming a more well rounded pitcher, but he's reached 92 with his fastball and, being younger, has time to develop his command and secondary pitches. Here is video of him throwing and reaching 92.

Obviously, this is great news for Ugandan baseball. Getting more exposed in a league an country like Japan will be great for the development of the players heading to that league and for paving the way for future Ugandan players to sign with Japanese teams. Paired with the news that Japan's SoftBank Hawks and Tokyo Giants had scouts travel to Uganda to see players there, it's clear that there is a healthy relationship between Japan and Uganda.