Ugandan long distance runner and Olympic Champion Joshua Cheptegei is set to formalize his marriage with longtime fiancée Carol Kamari on Saturday.

Cheptegei and Kamari will be husband and wife after the ceremony that will take place Kamari’s parental home in Cheborom village, Kaptum Sub County in Kween district.

Kamari’s profession is civil engineer, daughter to the late ministry of works Engineer Stephen Chesang and widow Jessica Chesakit.

Cheptegei’s parents are current Kwoti Primary school Headmaster Stephenson Munirya and Irene Chemusto, residents of Kwoti Sub-county in Kapchorwa district.

Ahead of the event, Cheptegei’s coaches are wishing him all the best, a decision they believe will benefit him for the future.

Njia told Vision Sport; “Once athletes get married, they are only thinking about their career development and family instead of multiple relationships which come along with several upsets.”

Dutch coach Addy Ruiter told Vision Sport; “When you have one lady or man and your relationship is stable it can only be helpful for career progress because you become responsible and focused.”

The first window of the African Qualifiers for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will be played in Angola, FIBA has confirmed.

“We would like to inform you that the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 African Qualifiers will be held from November 26 to November 28 in Benguela (Angola),” a letter sent to FUBA, reads in part.

Uganda’s Silverbacks will face Mali in their first Group A game on 26th November, then take on Cape Verde and Nigeria on 27th and 28th November respectively.

Uganda, just like other participating teams, has up to 15th November to submit their Roster for the window.

Meanwhile, the second window of the qualifiers where Uganda will face the same opponents will be played in July 2022 at a yet-to-be-determined venue.

These are qualification pathways to determine the five African teams that will take part in the 2023 FIBA World Cup that will be held in Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines.

Uganda has to finish among the top three teams in the group to advance to the second round of the qualifiers.

At the second round, the top three teams from all four groups will be divided into two groups of six teams.

With all results from the previous round carried to the next round, the two best-placed teams from both groups plus the best third-placed team will qualify for the World Cup.

Uganda Cranes Regional Tours 2021 | Thursday 4th November 2021 – Kitgum

Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin Sredojevic has named a 23 man team for the Northern regional tour due Thursday 4th November 2021.

The 23 man squad comprises mainly locally based players in the Uganda Premier League and will be preparing for Uganda Cranes’ final two games in group E of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The side will be at home against Kenya on 11th November and away to Mali on 14th November 2021.

Last month, the Uganda Cranes played the Eastern region select team at the Mbale Municipal Stadium and won 1-0 courtesy of Joackiam Ojera’s goal.

Summoned Uganda Cranes team:

Goalkeepers: Joel Mutakubwa (Express), Alionzi Nafian (URA), Jack Komakech (Vipers)

Defenders: Ashraf Mandela (URA), Paul Willa (Vipers), Abdul-Aziz Kayondo (Vipers), Denis Iguma (KCCA), Enock Walusimbi (Express), Najib Fesali (URA), Livingstone Mulondo (Vipers)

Midfielders: Shafik Kuchi Kagimu (URA), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers), Mahad Kakooza (Express), Bright Anukani (Vipers), Julius Poloto (KCCA), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers), Milton Karisa (Vipers), Rogers Mato (KCCA)

Forwards: Sadat Anaku (KCCA), Yunus Sentamu (Vipers), Steven Mukwala (URA), Rwothomio Cromwell (URA), Martin Kizza (Express)

Ugandan long distance runner Joshua Cheptegei has confirmed participation in the 2021 NN Zevenheuvelenloop race on November 21 in Netherlands.

The NN Zevenheuvelenloop is an annual 15 kilometres road running race held in Nijmegen and for many years, it has been attracting big names across the discipline.

Cheptegei will be attempting to win the coveted prize for the fifth time after claiming the 2015 to 2018 editions in succession.

The last edition to be held was in 2019 when fellow Ugandan Stephen Kissa crossed the tape first in 41:49 to walk away winner.

The current course record also the world record is held by Cheptegei who ran 41:05 in 2018. He will be looking to add to his success at 60th Ostrava Golden Spike when he won the event in 7:33.24.

Talking up the event, Cheptegei said; “Super excited to be back at the @7Hloop again!!”

Super excited to be back at the @7Hloop again!! https://t.co/sQl3sHgDeB

— Joshua Cheptegei 🇺🇬🇺🇬 🥇🥇 (@joshuacheptege1) October 28, 2021

KCCA Football Club ascended to the top of the Uganda Premier League table after edging Busoga United 1-0 at the FUFA Technical Center on Thursday.

Striker Sadat Anaku was the difference, scoring the only goal of the game as the Kasasiro continued the perfect start to the new season.

Anaku tapped home from close range thanks to a perfect ball across the goal area from right back Innocent Wafula.

Before finding the breakthrough, the youngster who scored three in the last meeting between the sides at the same ground last season, headed onto the crossbar from Yasser Mugerwa’s cross ten minutes into the second half and also headed wide a Brian Majwega’s cross earlier.

KCCA move to nine points after their third straight win from as many games and it’s clear Morley Byekwaso’s charges will challenge for the title.

Busoga United’s best chance fell to Anwar Ntege but the forward failed to beat Benjamin Ochan just before the halftime break.

Next Games 

Busoga United visit Wakiso Giants at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium while KCCA FC hosts Tooro United at MTN Omondi stadium in Lugogo on Saturday.

Starting XIs

Busoga United: Michael Nantamu, Derrick Basoga, Douglas Bithum, Peter Onzima, George Kalyowa, Stephen Okello, Elvis Kibaale, Laban Tibita, Anthony Mayanja, Shaka Ssozi, Anwar Ntege

KCCA FC: Benjamin Ochan, Innocent Wafula, Herbert Achai, Denis Iguma, John Revita, Ashraf Mugume, Yasser Mugerwa, Brian Majwega, Gift Ali, Davis Kasirye, Sadat Anaku

City Oilers are set for the trip to Dar ss Salaam ahead of the first round of the qualifiers for the 2022 Basketball Africa League.

Head coach Mandy Juruni named a 12-man player squad ahead of their departure on Thursday.

At the tournament, City Oilers will tussle it out with Brave Hearts (Malawi), Kurasini Heat (Tanzania), and New Stars (Burundi) in Group E from 29th-31st October.

The US-based big man of Nigerian descent Jerry Namdi Okonkwo headlines the additions Oilers made that also include John Balwigaire and Titus Lual Odeke.

Abdihakim Ghedi who had been registered to play in the NBL but had not played a single game as he was still in the States is also part of the roster.

Youngsters Luak Ruai and John Dombo make the trip alongside Ceasar Kizito, Ivan Muhwezi, Jimmy Enabu, Tonny Drilleba, Ben Komakech, and James Okello.

Oilers will play three group games, targeting one of the top two places for an automatic place in the Elite 16 round that will be played in November/December.

The Squad: Tonny Drilleba, Jimmy Enabu, Ivan Muhwezi, Ben Komakech, Luak Ruai, Aduhakim Ghedi, Jerry Namdi Okonkwo, James Okello, Titus Odeke Lual, John Balwigaire, John Dombo, Julius Caesar Kizito

City Oilers Fixtures

• Friday, 29th October: vs. New Stars
• Saturday, 30th October: vs. Brave Hearts
• Sunday, 31st October: vs. Kurasini Heats

Uganda Women’s squad to play at the Safari Sevens in Nairobi, Kenya over the weekend has been named.

The side will make a return to the Safari Sevens at the Nyayo National Stadium having missed the 2019 edition.

Uganda’s women last participated in the Safari Sevens was in 2018 when the country fielded two teams, the Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes and the Emerging Lady Cranes – a select outfit comprising young and rising talent at the time.

The Lady Rugby Cranes reached the Main Cup final but lost to Kenya Lionesses 50-00.

A number of the ladies who played at the 2018 edition have made it to this year’s team These are Juliet Nandawula, Grace Auma, Yvonne Najjuma, and Peace Lekuru.

The tournament will be played over two days in a five-team round-robin format. Uganda’s opponents will be Zimbabwe, South Africa’s Titan Women Academy, and two Kenyan select sides.

The Squad: Agnes Nakuya, Emilly Lekuru, Emilly Nanziri, Juliet Nandawula (vice-captain), Maimunah Nassozi, Mary Gloria Ayot (captain), Nalubega Yudaya, Peace Lekuru, Susan Adong, Yvonne Najjuma, Nadunga Ritta, Grace Auma.

UPL Results | Tuesday, 26th October

• Arua Hill 0-0 Onduparaka FC
• BUL FC 0-1 Express
• Tooro United 1-1 Gaddafi
• Police FC 0-1 Wakiso Giants
• UPDF vs. Mbarara City (Postponed)

Express Football Club picked their first win in the 2021-22 Uganda Premier League, edging BUL FC one-nil at Kyabazinga Stadium in Bugembe on Tuesday.

Midfielder Yaya Mahad Kakooza scored the only goal of the game seven minutes into the second half.

BUL started the game better with the Red Eagles who have been struggling for form on the back foot. Musa Esenu skied an early effort while Joel Mutakubwa who was between the stick for Express was called into action on several occasions.

After the halftime break, the Red Eagles troubled BUL with relentless counterattacking and the hosts gave in in the 52nd minute. Man of the match Abel Etrude won the ball and passed it to Martin Kizza on the left flank who immediately crossed into the box for an incoming Yaya Mahad Kakooza to head home.

Dickson Nuwamanya nearly drew the hosts level but his ferocious freekick rattled the crossbar as Express held on for maximum points that took them to tenth in the standings. 

BUL FC visits Onduparaka on Saturday, 30th October while Express will be hosting league leaders Vipers at Wankulukuku on the same day.

Starting XIs

BUL FC: Said Keni (GK), Richard Ayiko, Walter Ochora, Douglas Muganga, Umar Mukobe, George Kasonko, Jerome Kirya, Ibrahim Mugulusi, Richard Wandyaka, Martin Aprem, Musa Esenu

Express FC: Joel Mutakubwa (GK), Denis Mubuya, Isa Lumu, Juuko Murushid, Arthur Kiggundu, Abel Eturude, Yaya Mahad Kakooza, Deus Bukenya, Martin Kizza, George Senkaaba, Charles Musiige

Uganda Women Senior National Team (Crested Cranes) advanced to the final qualifying phase of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).

Crested Cranes achieved the feat after overcoming Ethiopia at Abebe Biliki Stadium on Tuesday.

Uganda lost the game 2-0 and the tie had to be decided on kicks from the penalty mark having won with the same scoreline at Kitende last week.

Crested Cranes coach George Lutalo made two changes from the team that had started the first leg with Juliet Nalukenge and Sheebah Zalwango starting ahead of Hasifa Nassuna and Sandra Nabweteme.

Senaf Wakuma and Loza Abera scored a goal each in the first half to give Ethiopia a brilliant start but Uganda looked an improved side after the break to hold on and force the tie into penalties.

In the shootout, Ethiopia converted just one of the five attempts. Uganda’s goalkeeper and captain Ruth Aturo saved twice, with the other two Ethiopian players denied by the woodwork.

Despite Sumaya Komuntale and Joan Nabirye missing, Hasifa Nassuna and Fauzia Najjemba scored to guide Uganda to victory.

Uganda will therefore face Kenya in the final qualification stage.

Uganda men’s national sevens team to compete at the Safari Sevens this weekend was named.

The team has several fresh faces in the national sevens set up as KOBs rising star Karim Arinaitwe who has immensely impressed thus far in the ongoing national sevens series.

Heathens’ Claude Ivan Otema and Innocent Gwokto as well as Jinja Hippos Denis Etwau are the other players who will be having their first outing with the national sevens side.

Black Pirates’ Kelvin Balagadde who was brought into the sevens set up a couple of years ago gets another call to the national side.

Meanwhile, national sevens team regulars Adrian Kasito and Norbert Okeny who played at the 2019 edition, Timothy Kisiga, Byron Oketayot, and Levis Ochen are the other members of the squad.

KOBs Ian Munyani will captain the side assisted by Heathens halfback Aaron Ofoyrwoth. The duo was also part of the 2019 Safari Sevens, the last time the tournament was played.

The Safari Sevens will be played at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya from 30th-31st October 2021.

The Squad

Ian Munyani, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Adrian Kasito, Kelvin Balagadde, Innocent Gwokto, Claude Otema, Karim Arinaitwe, Levis Ochen, Norbert Okeny, Timothy Kisiga, Denis Etwau, and Byron Oketayot