Uganda Ladies Golf Union President Rita Apell Akot is confident of transforming the women’s game in the country within the next two years, with the support of all stakeholders.

Akot was voted into office during the Uganda Ladies Golf Union’s elective AGM, held at Uganda Golf Club on Thursday evening.

A golfer since 2017, Apell is clear on what she wants to accomplish in office.

“I am driven by the desire to see real change in the growth of kids’ and women’s golf,” she noted, adding, “I believe that by nurturing these areas, we not only create new opportunities but also strengthen men’s golf, which ultimately builds a more well-rounded sport.

She previously served as the vice president of the Uganda Ladies Golf Union, working under Anne Abeja a few years ago.

She is certain of her objectives during her term of office. “We shall need the golf clubs in the country to be deliberate, and not passive, in creating incentives and programs that attract more women to the game.”

One of the key pathways to achieving this is through school programs that introduce and nurture interest from a young age, she added.

Akot’s executive committee includes Helen Lunkuse as vice president, Pamella Tumusiime as honorary treasurer, and Gloria Mbaguta as honorary secretary.

Outgoing Ladies Union president Doreen Mwesigye is the Immediate Past President (IPP). The committee members are Charity Atuhaire and Peace Kabasweka.

Akot further stated that her team will be deliberate in elevating the appeal of the game nationwide.

“We shall be marketable to attract support. And to do that, we must first be visible so that stakeholders can connect with and buy into our cause.”

Asked about the state of professional golf, where the ladies have three representatives: Evah Magala, Irene Nakalembe, and Flavia Namakula, she acknowledged that the challenges of women’s pro golf are not unique to Uganda. “However,” she says, “we must build a critical mass.”

Akot is the Chief Information Officer at Stanbic Bank. Her husband, Dr. Peter Apell, is an avid golfer and former chairman of Entebbe Club.

Uganda U17 national team head coach Brian Ssenyondo has named the 22-man squad set to play at the upcoming TotalEnergies AFCON U17 tournament in Morocco from March 30 to April 19, 2025.

The Cubs will compete in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Tanzania, and Zambia, in a tournament that serves as a qualification pathway for the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar later this year.

The top 10 teams from Africa will secure a place at the global showpiece, making this competition a crucial test for Uganda’s young talents.

Uganda kicks off its campaign against tournament hosts Morocco on March 30 at El Bachir Stadium.

The Cubs departed for Morocco on Thursday evening, where they will continue their preparations, including holding training sessions and friendly matches ahead of their opening fixture.

This year’s squad features a blend of promising talent from both local academies and international institutions with the aim of securing a historic qualification to the U17 World Cup.

Uganda will be aiming to impress in Group A and secure a spot among the top 10 teams heading to Qatar for the U17 World Cup.

Final squad

1. Adrian Mukwanga – Vipers SC Junior Team
2. Jovan Nsereko Mukisa – NEC FC Junior Team
3. Hamza Sengooba – Masaka Sunshine FC
4. Ethan Adeleke Afuga Andreas Oyedele – Bradfield College
5. Joseph Langol – Paorhinar Soccer Academy
6. Elvis Torach – Masaka Sunshine FC
7. Derick Ssozi – Fort Portal Tax Operators FC
8. Thomas Ogema – KCCA FC Soccer Academy
9. Isima Mulala Magala – Masaka Sunshine FC
10. Richard Okello – BUL FC Junior Team
11. Steven Oyirwoth – KCCA FC Soccer Academy
12. Trevor Mubiru – Vipers SC Junior Team
13. Simon Wanyama – Bukedea Comprehensive
14. Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo – Namilyango College School
15. Brian Jjara – KCCA FC
16. John Brian Owino – Express FC Junior Team
17. Marvin Kabiito – Vipers SC Junior Team
18. Muhamad Masabo – Lugazi FC Junior Team
19. Ashraf Lukyamuzi – KCCA FC Soccer Academy
20. Ashraf Kyakuwa – Vipers SC Junior Team
21. Abdul Lukenje Ntege – Maroons FC Junior Team
22. James Bogere – Masaka Sunshine FC

Team officials

• John Chrizestom Kalibala – Leader of Delegation
• Brian Ssenyondo – Head Coach
• Ronald Ssali – Assistant Coach
• Kenneth Magada – Goalkeeper Coach
• Simoen Massa – Fitness Coach
• Bashir Mutyaba – Team Manager
• Micheal Kamu Gumisiriza – Team Doctor
• Ivan Kulika – Team Doctor
• Dennis Kizito – Trainer
• Noah Veron Ddamba – Equipment Manager
• Joel Cornerious Kivumbi – Media Officer
• Peter Mbogo – Delegation Staff

National Basketball League

• City Oilers 80-81 Nam Blazers
• JKL Lady Dolphins 71-75 JT Lady Jaguars

The 2025 National Basketball League tipped off today as Namuwongo Blazers narrowly defeated defending champions City Oilers 81-80 in a tense and entertaining opener at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Despite missing key players Titus Lual, Fayed Bbaale, and Ivan Muhwezi, the City Oilers put up a formidable fight, nearly securing victory.

However, a last-second free throw from Mugisha sealed a dramatic win for the Blazers, marking a tough start for the reigning champions.

The game began with City Oilers asserting early dominance closing the first quarter with a 17-10 lead.

However, Nam Blazers adjusted their strategy, implementing a full-court press and man-to-man defence that limited the Oilers to just 17 points in the second quarter. At halftime, the Blazers had closed the gap, trailing by just five points (34-29).

The intensity escalated in the third quarter, with both teams exchanging leads. Allawi Ssenkubuge delivered a crucial buzzer-beating block denying Innocent Ochera a potential game-changing three-pointer. By the end of the quarter, City Oilers clung to a narrow 55-54 advantage.

The final quarter was a rollercoaster, filled with dramatic moments, including Joseph Chuma fouling out with eight minutes remaining. The game reached a deadlock at 80-80 with just eight seconds left, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.

With one second on the clock, Mugisha stepped up to the line and calmly sank the decisive free throw, handing Nam Blazers a hard-fought 81-80 victory.

Key Performers

For City Oilers, Ben Komakech (18 points), Edgar Munaaba (12 points), and Joseph Chuma (10 points) led the charge while the Blazers saw Jimmy Enabu (19 points) and Peter Obleng (11 points) as their standout scorers.

In the earlier Women’s games, JT Lady Jaguars too edged an experienced JKL Dolphins side 75-71 to avenge last season’s losses in the playoffs.

The National Basketball League action will continue tomorrow at YMCA in Wandegeya with the following games;

Women

• Angels Vs UPDF Lady Tomahawks – 10AM
• Nabisunsa Vs Miracle Ravens – 12PM
• Nkumba Lady Marines Vs KCCA Leopards – 2PM

Men

• Victoria Crocs Vs Kampala Rockets – 4PM
• Rezlife Saints Vs KCCA Pathners – 6PM

JT Lady Jaguars kicked off their 2025 National Basketball League campaign in style, securing a hard-fought 75-71 victory over JKL Lady Dolphins in an intense season opener at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Friday.

The Jaguars had to dig deep to fend off a determined JKL side, with Shakira Nanvubya and Sandra Ayikoru Wangeshi stepping up as the driving forces behind their triumph.

The game began with both teams trading baskets, setting the stage for a high-energy contest. Aziida Nabayunga nailed a long shot to close the first quarter, giving the Jaguars a slim 21-19 lead.

In the second quarter, Wangeshi electrified the crowd, first sinking a deep three-pointer and then weaving through defenders for a smooth layup. Her efforts pushed the Jaguars’ advantage to eight points 4 minutes on the clock.

At the halftime buzzer, Nanvubya had a chance to stretch the lead further but missed from beyond the arc; however, the Jaguars still went into the break with a solid nine-point cushion.

JKL Lady Dolphins came out strong in the third quarter, tightening their defense and chipping away at the deficit. Their persistence paid off when Tamasha Nsubuga’s floating jumper gave them a 43-42 lead midway through the quarter.

But the Jaguars refused to back down. In a tense final quarter, both teams battled fiercely, exchanging the lead multiple times.

Nanvubya’s clutch plays and Wangeshi’s composure in key moments helped JT Jaguars maintain a four-point lead as the game wound down.

With time running out, the Jaguars held their nerve to secure the 75-71 victory, sending a strong message to the league.

JT Lady Jaguars’ top scorers:

• Shakira Nanvubya – 18 points
• Sandra Wangeshi – 12 points
• Sarah Ageno – 10 points

JKL Lady Dolphins top scorers:

• Hope Akello – 20 points
• Becky Longom – 14 points
• Evelyn Nakiyingi – 13 points

Saturday, March 22 Fixtures | YMCA Wandegeya

Women

• Angels Vs UPDF Lady Tomahawks – 10AM
• Nabisunsa Vs Miracle Ravens – 12PM
• Nkumba Lady Marines Vs KCCA Leopards – 2PM

Men

• Victoria Crocs Vs Kampala Rockets – 4PM
• Rezlife Saints Vs KCCA Pathners – 6PM

Ugandan left back Ibrahim Juma has secured a move to Ukrainian Premier League club FC Rukh Lviv as a free agent, marking another step in his European football journey.

Juma, a product of KCCA Soccer Academy, had been without a club since parting ways with KCCA FC in January after a mutual agreement.

Despite leaving the Ugandan club, his talent and experience made him a sought-after prospect, eventually earning him a place in Ukraine’s top division.

Juma’s football journey has been nothing short of impressive. After rising through KCCA FC’s youth ranks, he earned a spot in the senior team, where he showcased his defensive capabilities and attacking prowess as a modern full back.

His first taste of European football came with Leganés B in Spain, a move that helped him gain exposure to the demanding style of play abroad. Now, with his switch to FC Rukh Lviv, Juma is set to test himself at an even higher level.

Beyond club football, Juma has been a key figure in Ugandan football, representing the country at various age levels.

He featured for Uganda U17 and U20 before earning a place in the Uganda Cranes senior squad. His versatility, defensive discipline, and ability to contribute in attack have made him a standout player for the national team.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named the starting XI in the crucial Fifa World Cup Qualifiers match against Mozambique at Cairo International Stadium.

Isma Watenga maintains his place between the posts while Elvis Bwomono is preferred at right back with regular Kenneth Ssemakula moved to defensive midfield where he joins skipper Khalid Aucho.

Abdul Aziz Kayondo maintains his place at left back while Bevis Mugabi gets a new partner in central defence with Elio Capradossi slotted in to start as Timothy Awany waits on the bench.

Allan Okello starts in the number ten role ahead of Travis Mutyaba while Shaban Muhammad returns to lead the search for goals with help from Denis Omedi and Jude Ssemugabi on either wing.

The match kicks off at 4:00 pm, East African Time.

EmmanuelOkwi has called it time on his international as he has officially announced his retirement from Uganda Cranes.

In a statement published on his social media platforms, Okwi expressed delight in representing Uganda.

“Representing my country on the international stage has been a fulfilling dream that came true. Donning the Uganda Cranes shirt always left a special feeling and captaining our team was an absolute privilege and honour,” the statement reads.

“An exciting new era for Ugandan football is coming up with East Africa hosting the CHAN later this August and subsequently the AFCON 2027 with many young footballers coming up. That is why, having cherished all those memories, I believe it is time for me to bow out and pave the way for our talented young football players.

“I will always hold close to my heart the love shown to me by all the fans and my special thanks go to my family, Coach Bobby Williamson who handed me a debut, all the successive coaches thereafter with whom we created memories together through thick and thin and of course the leadership at the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA).”

Okwi has 95 caps for Uganda Cranes since making his debut in 2009. He scored 28 goals in that period, 22 of which came in competitive games.

He featured at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, netting two goals in the matches against DR Congo and Zimbabwe.

He last featured for the team in 2023 during the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

He currently plays his club football at Rwandan side Kiyovu SC. He has in the past played for SC Villa, Simba SC, Young Africans, Etoile du Sahel, SonderjyskE, Al Ittihad, Al Zawra’a and Erbil SC.

• Tuesday, March 18, 2025
• Stanbic Uganda Cup
• Lugazi FC Vs SC Villa – Lugazi FC Stadium, 3:00 PM

It’s a high-stakes clash in the Stanbic Uganda Cup at the Lugazi FC Stadium – Najjembe today as Lugazi FC face nine-time winners SC Villa at the round of 16, with a place in the quarter-finals awaiting the victor.

Both teams have scored the same number of goals (4), and are among the sides yet to concede a goal in the Cup this campaign.

The Leaders enter the game aiming to sustain our recent enviable momentum, which has yielded five wins from the past six matches, with the only dark spot along the streak being a 2-0 loss to NEC FC at the beginning of this month.

Steven Bogere and his men will be encouraged by the recent 3-1 beating of Mbale Heroes, while a tally of three goals four days ago exudes confidence within the squad. The team had never had such a bulk of goals in a single game this season.

To reach this stage of the competition, Lugazi FC beat fourth division side Mayuge United 2-0 at the round of 64 in mid-January before defeating Uganda Premier League hopefuls Calvary FC at the round of 32 by the same margin last month. It’s the first time playing in the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup for the Leaders.

SC Villa swept aside Buganda regional league team Seeta United with a 3-0 victory at the round of 64, before they narrowly beat Simba FC 1-0 to qualify for this phase.

This will be the second time Lugazi FC and SC Villa are meeting this season.  The sides met in early December last year, and they settled for a one-all draw in the Uganda Premier League.

Speaking after the last training, Coach Gerald Efiti said our chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals stands at 80%.

“The morale is high after winning our last game. The boys are now scoring more goals than they did in the first round. They have the confidence. Even though we are playing a side that has won this competition for so many times, our camp is okay, everyone is there, and all players are ready to hit the ground tomorrow.”

“We have players with experience at this stage, they are there to motivate their teammates who have never been here before, and I think everyone is ready to go tomorrow because we are at home. The boys have the confidence, we’re going to win the game.”

“We drew against SC Villa when we met in the first round of the league but we got many chances that we didn’t convert. Now that we are scoring at will, I think our chances of going through are so high.”

KCCA Football Club hosts Kitara Regional League side Rwenzori Lions Football Club in the round of 16 of the Stanbic Uganda Cup.

KCCA FC eliminated West Nile Regional League side Kuluva Rainbow FC in the Round of 32, while Rwenzori Lions FC eliminated Buhimba United on spot kicks.

This will be the first time both sides will be facing each other.

The 13-time league champions, KCCA FC, recently won two league games in a row and will be looking for their third consecutive win in all competitions since October 2024.

The fixture will also be KCCA’s first ever in the Uganda Cup under the floodlights and also the first home fixture in the cup since February 2022.

“The camp is great. We have trained well, and the players are in perfect shape. Our target is to try and win our next immediate game and to progress to the next round. That is the mentality we take into the game against Rwenzori Lions FC. We welcome our captain, Julius Poloto, back to the team after recovering from illness. Hassan Muhamud has also started training with the rest of the squad. We will still be without Munguchi and Mujuzi, who are out due to illness and injury. Gavin Kizito and Brain Jjara are away on National Duty,” Abdallah Mubiru.

KCCA Team News

Captain Julius Poloto has recovered from illness and is back in full team training.

Defender Hassan Muhamud is also back in full-team training.

Etienne Katenga has fully recovered from injury, and the player is part of the matchday squad to face Rwenzori Lions FC.

Musitafa Mujuzi has commenced light training with the physio as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury. He is ruled out of the cup game.

Steven Munguchi is ruled out due to illness.

Teenage midfielder Brain Jjara and defender Gavin Kizito are away on national duty.

The rest of the squad is fit and ready to feature against Rwenzori Lions FC.

The Uganda Lady Cranes 7s team will not be competing in the Krakow leg of the 2025 World Rugby Sevens Challenger, following a difficult decision by the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) Executive Committee.

The announcement was made after the committee’s meeting on Saturday, March 15, 2025, citing visa challenges as the key reason behind the withdrawal.

The Lady Cranes 7s had secured their place in the Krakow leg by finishing in the top eight during the two-leg series in South Africa, a tournament ultimately won by Kenya.

Their strong performance had raised hopes for a promising campaign in Poland, making the decision to withdraw even more disappointing.

Despite URU’s early preparations to secure travel documentation, visa delays proved to be an insurmountable hurdle.

The committee acknowledged that, despite their best efforts, the team would not be able to obtain visas in time for the event. World Rugby had been informed about these challenges, but no viable solution was found.

This withdrawal is a significant setback for the Lady Cranes 7s, who had been building momentum in international competitions.

However, the URU remains committed to women’s rugby and is shifting focus to the Lady Cranes XVs team, which will compete in the Rugby Africa Women’s Division 1 Tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

While the 7s program is temporarily halted, the XVs team now has a major opportunity to push for promotion to the Rugby Africa Women’s Performance Division.

The tournament, announced by Rugby Africa on February 25, 2025, presents a chance for Uganda to compete at a higher level in the continent’s top women’s rugby division.