19 March 2022 | Basketball

Since joining JKL Lady Dolphins in 2017 out of High School, Hope Akello has dominated the stripe in the Women's National Basketball League.

Akello, who has now become a household name in women's basketball, took just a couple of seasons in the top-flight division to ascend to the top of the pyramid.

Born to Moses Angura and Ruth Mirembe in the Eastern district of Tororo, Akello picked interest in basketball a decade ago while at Trinity College Nabbingo.

She later moved to St. Mary's High School Kitende where her basketball sprouted as the institution put together a team that swept whatever came their way along the years. The likes of Brenda Ekone, Brenda Nakitende, Evelyn Nakiyingi, Hope Gimono, Jamila Nansikombi, Leticia Awori, Maureen Nankumbi, Priscilla Abbey, Rose Basemera, and Vicky Akello all of who have since played in the National Basketball League were part of the team over the years.

Akello had a feel of league basketball while still in high school as she featured for Gladiators but it was moving to JKL that gave a feel of "grown woman" basketball. At the time, JKL had former league MVP Purity Adhiambo and Salam Akiny all of whom were her direct competitors in the front court.

In their first year in the National Basketball League finished third, a feat that Akello was part of. The departure of Adhiambo meant Akello would take on a bigger role that she embraced, leading the side to a national championship along with Ritah Imanishimwe and Jamila Nansikombi.

In 2019, Akello made the league her own as she found no match in the paint leading the team to a second straight title while eaarning MVP and top rebounder honours.

The star forward was part of the Dolphins side that won the FIBA Zone V Club Championship in Dar es Salaam in October 2019 where they dispatched Kenyan giants Equity and KPA in sems and final respectively.

She has represented the national side (Gazelles) in the mainstream as well as in the shorter version of the game (3x3).

Quick Profile

• Full Name: Hope Akello
• Date of Birth: 29th September 1998
• Birth Place: Tororo, Uganda
• Current Club: JKL Lady Dolphins
• Position: Forward

Career Highlights

• 2019 FIBA Zone V Clubs Champion
• 2019 USPA Female Basketball Player of the Year
• 2019 Women’s National Basketball League Finals MVP
• 2019 Women’s National Basketball League Top Rebounder
• 2019 Women’s National Basketball League Champion
• 2018 Women’s National Basketball League Champion
• 2015 East Africa Secondary Schools Games Basketball Champion

Celebrating Women in Sports

MTN Uganda is Celebrating Women in Sports and we would like you to nominate your outstanding woman in sports and shine a light on their greatness.

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