Team Uganda had a strong start to the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships, winning two bronze medals on the opening day.

Charity Cherop and Kenneth Kiprop claimed bronze in the Women’s and Men’s 5000m events respectively.

Cherop achieved a personal best time of 15:25.02, finishing behind Ethiopia’s Medina Eisa, who set a championship record of 14:39.71, and Mekedes Alemeshete, who took silver.

In the Men’s 5000m, Kiprop sprinted to the finish line, securing bronze in a time of 13:41.73. Kenya’s Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi won gold in 13:41.14, followed by Ethiopia’s Abdisa Fayisa with silver.

Uganda’s Samuel Cherop came fifth, outside the medal brackets.

Uganda’s two-medal haul surpasses their previous championship performance, where Prisca Chesang won a single bronze medal in the Women’s 5000m in Cali, Colombia in 2022.

Additionally, Loice Chekwemoi and Nancy Chepkirui qualified for the Women’s 3000m Steeplechase final, adding to Uganda’s medal chances.

The championship continues in Lima, Peru, with Uganda aiming to add more medals to their collection. Hosea Chemutai (Men’s 3000m Steeplechase Heats) and Jacob Sande (Men’s 1500m) will be in action on Day Two for the Heats.

Team Uganda:

Jacob Sande (1,500m), Samuel Simba Cherop (1,500m & 5,000m), Titus Musua (3,000m), Herbert Kibet (3,000m), Kenneth Kiprop (5,000m), Hosea Chemutai, (3,000 Steeplechase), Kezia Chebet (3,000m), Charity Cherop (5,000m), Nancy Chepkwurui, Loice Chekwemoi (3,000m Steeplechase).

The Uganda Golf Open Championship 2024 continues as amateurs get into action starting Wednesday morning at Entebbe Club.

Defending champion Godfrey Nsubuga will be the favourite as the four-day tournament tees off at the lakeside facility. Nsubuga will tee off at 10:10am along with John Paul Basabose and Shaka Kaariisa.

Richard Cwinyaai who has been in fine form this year will tee off at 10am alongside Edgar Muzahura and Ernest Rukundo.

Meanwhile, last year’s runners-up Ibrahim Bagalana tees off at 1:00 pm along with Jean Hitayezu of Rwanda and Paul Nuwagaba.

Vet Lab Sports Club’s Ebill Omollo leads the cast of Kenyan golfers at the tournament that also has Rafael Leming’ani, George Themburu, Simon Karari, and Chris Owuor.

The Tooro Kingdom MTN Masaza Cup semifinals delivered a spectacle yesterday as Burahya snatched a thrilling 4-3 penalty win over Ntoroko following a one-all draw on aggregate, clinching their spot in the finals.

The second leg saw Ntoroko edge ahead with a 1-0 win, thanks to a standout goal by Muzaya Allan. But when the pressure was on, Burahya’s cool heads and sharp shooting in the penalty shootout made all the difference.

The match was a nail-biter, with both teams creating electrifying opportunities. Muzaya Allan’s precise strike broke the deadlock for Ntoroko, but Burahya wasn’t about to roll over. They pushed hard for an equalizer and got their reward, pushing the game to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Burahya was flawless, with Kambale Adrine, Norman Kugonza, Businge Ivan, and Lubega Shabil scoring their penalties with style.

Conversely, Ntoroko’s Kaswara Ason and Kyambade Frank missed their chances. However, Mabilo Frank, Alinaitwe Ibrahim, and Upari Godfrey Kante kept the hopes alive with their successful spot-kicks.

With this victory, Burahya Isaza Team is set to face Fort Portal in the final match on September 7th, aiming to capture the coveted Tooro Kingdom MTN Masaza Cup trophy.

Meanwhile, Ntoroko will battle Mwenge South Isaza for the bronze medal.

KIU Titans advanced to the finals of the National Basketball League after defeating Namuwongo Blazers 81-78 in Game 5 on Sunday night at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

The Blazers started the game hot with Peter Cheng hitting a couple of 3-pointers but the Titans recovered well to end the first quarter with the game tied at 20-all.

KIU had a hot start to the second quarter assuming a 9-point lead before Blazers rallied back to trail by 3 points (41-38) heading into the halftime break.

The Kasanga-based side continued leading the way with Namuwongo playing catch up and the sides could not be separated at the end of the fourth quarter sending the game into overtime.

KIU Titans looked the most mentally prepared for the extra five minutes with Edgar Munaba finding room to hammer down a dunk that all but sealed their place in the finals.

Peter Obleng who has shone throughout the series finished with a game-high 22 points, Munaba added 20 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, Joel Lukoji contributed 14 points and Kasereka Tembo chipped in with 12.

On the other hand, Innocent Ochera netted a team-high 19 points, Cheng scored 18 and skipper Paul Odong contributed 11 points while Michael Makiadi had a 13-point and 18-rebound double-double.

KIU Titans will face City Oilers in a repeat of last year’s finals. Game 1 will be played on Wednesday night.

Last year’s MTN Busoga Masaza Cup top goal scorer, Ashiraf Amuke, demonstrated why he’s a strong contender for this year’s Golden Boot by scoring one of the fastest-ever goals in the tournament’s history.

Amuke netted the winning goal in the 40th second, leading holders Busiki to a 1-0 victory over Bulamogi. This crucial win has positioned Busiki at the top of the Nendha Hill group after the first round of matches.

The match held at Busiki College Namutumba on Sunday was the final game of the first round for the Nendha Hill group. The encounter was marked by dramatic moments, including a missed penalty by Bulamogi’s Imuram Makumbi whose attempt to equalize was thwarted by Busiki’s goalkeeper Andrew Aboke.

Despite both teams showcasing attacking prowess, neither side managed to score again, allowing Busiki to secure their second consecutive home win of the campaign and sit atop the Nendha Hill group with 6 points from three matches.

Busiki coach Dennis Watuke expressed satisfaction with the win but voiced frustration over the referee’s decisions. “Good that we got another vital home win but we were not happy with the referee’s decisions. But we are rallying our fans to cheer us more as we head for two away matches that we must win to cement our spot into the quarter-finals.”

On the other hand, Bulamogi’s coach Godfrey Okello acknowledged the defeat: “We lost today but we are going back to the drawing board to work on our mistakes before the second round.”

Elsewhere at Iganga ground, two-time winners Kigulu defeated Bukooli 1-0 to take the top spot in the Bukowe Hill group with 7 points.

The standings at the end of the first round are as follows:

• Kagulu Hill Group: Butembe leads with 4 points.
• Nendha Hill Group: Busiki leads with 6 points.
• Mawembe Hill Group: Bugabula leads with 6 points.
• Bukowe Hill Group: Kigulu leads with 7 points.

The MTN Busoga Masaza Cup surged into matchday four with a dramatic showcase, as Butembe emerged as the sole winner on Saturday.

The highlight of the day came from Budondo Subcounty Playground where Nicolous Mukiibi etched his name into tournament history by scoring the fastest goal ever recorded.

Mukiibi, the dynamic number nine for Butembe, stole the spotlight with a stunning strike just 48 seconds into the game. After receiving a precise threaded pass from Ivan Nakalanga, who had himself been set up by Abbey Mulamba’s cross, Mukiibi unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards to secure the early lead.

Despite a determined effort from Buzaaya, Butembe’s defense remained steadfast, denying any clear-cut chances throughout the 90 minutes. This impressive performance propelled Butembe to the top of the Kagulu Hill Group standings with four points from two matches. Buzaaya follows in second place with three points, while the 2022 champions Bukooli Namayingo trail in third.

Butembe’s coach, Isaac Kitakule, expressed his gratitude for the win, praising his team’s adherence to their game plan. “I have to thank God for today’s victory. My players executed our strategy perfectly by targeting an early goal,” Kitakule remarked.

In contrast, Afan Ikoba, the coach of Buzaaya, was visibly frustrated with his team’s missed opportunities. “Conceding so early was a setback. We struggled to create and convert chances, but we still have room to correct our mistakes,” Ikoba said.

Elsewhere, at the Buseesa ground, Bugweri and Budiope played out a 1-1 draw, leaving Bugweri atop the Nendha Hill Group with four points, level with Budiope. Bulamogi and Busiki are close behind, each with three points.

Bunha, still searching for their first win, were held to a 1-1 draw by Luuka at Kiyunga Saza ground, leaving them winless with three draws from their three matches.

The action continues today as Busiki hosts Bulamogi and two-time champions Kigulu take on Bukooli Bugiri at Iganga Saza Ground.

Hawa Wanyeche took the opening day bragging rights of the 2024 Uganda Ladies Golf Open was held on Thursday, 22nd August at the par 71 lakeside Entebbe Club.

The Tanzanian golfer hit 3-over-74 after the early morning drizzles around Entebbe.

Wanyeche had recorded four birdies, three of which came from the back nine of the course, that’s at holes 10, 16 and 17.

The Tanzanian has a one-shot lead over three-time open winner Martha Babirye 

Neema Olomi, also from Tanzania, scored 5-over-76 and sits third on the leaderboard.

Iddy Madina (78), Vicky Elias (79), Meron Kyomugisha (79), Harriet Kitaka (79), Aalaa Riyaz Somji (79), Resty Nalutaaya (80) and Judith Komugisha (80) completed the top ten golfers of day one.

The Uganda Open Golf Championship series swings into action this week at Entebbe Club with Ladies and Seniors taking the course starting Thursday as they embark on the 54-hole action.

The country’s most prestigious golf tournament returns to the lakeside facility for the third time in six years, having hosted its first event in 2018.

Defending champion Peace Kabasweka is surprisingly not on the main draw that has been released today.

Tanzanian Iddy Madina will thus be the woman to beat at the 74th edition that gets underway on Thursday morning following the conclusion of the official practice round on Wednesday.

Former winner Martha Babirye returning from a six-month suspension will be looking to add another title.

Judith Komugisha and Meron Kyomugisha will also be going for the title.

In the Seniors Open, two-time winner John Muchiri is favourite with players such as Suresh Patel, Irishman James O’Sullivan as well as John Byabagambi looking to win the two-round tourney.

Round One Draw

Match Summary

• Soroti City 125/6
• Olila CC 109/8
• Soroti City won by 16 runs

Soroti City defended the Women’s T20 League title after edging Olila Cricket Club by 16 runs on Saturday afternoon at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

Olila had completed group play unbeaten record and it was clear they would not be a walk in the park for the defending champions.

Olila won the toss and elected to bowl first but Soroti City was steady out of the blocks and despite losing a couple of wickets, they kept the scoreboard ticking.

Proscovia Alako blasted 43 off 22 balls three of which went for sixes in the last over that pushed the total to a competitive figure. Team captain Janet Mbabazi chipped in with 18 runs.

In the run chase, Olila was very slow out of the blocks and had only 37 runs on board inside 10 overs.

However, a 42-run partnership between Phiona Khulume (32) and Malisa Ariokot took the game to Soroti City but ultimately wasn’t enough falling short.

Olila will have to wait to add to their 2017 title while Soroti City have sort of started their winning run with two in a row.

Tornado Bee’s Teddy Oyella was named the MVP oof the League while Stephanie Nampiina and Naume Amogin won the Best Batter and Best Bowler awards respectively.

Black Pearls and Rhinos emerged winners of the first circuit of the 2024 National Sevens Series, Entebbe 7s, played at the Works Grounds in Entebbe.

The two teams completed the two-day tournament unbeaten. While it was expected from the Black Pearls given their performance over the last few years, Rhinos run to victory was shocking.

The Black Pearls beat Avengers 26-12 in the final with Grace Auma the star woman scoring a hat trick of tries and Lydia Namabiro got the other while Lady Rugby Cranes captain Peace Lekuru scored for the home side.

Maimuna Nassozi had a good tournament despite losing in the final and was named the tournament MVP.

Meanwhile, Rhinos beat Buffaloes 17-05 to claim the men’s trophy. Three unanswered tries by captain Allan Olango (2) who. was named the MVP and the other Arnold Ocen were enough to see the Legends-based side complete the tournament unbeaten.

It was Rhinos’ first Cup Final appearance and victory since regaining core status in the National Sevens Series two years ago.

The next circuit is in Mbale this weekend.