Umar Lutalo has announced his departure from Uganda Premier League champions SC Villa.

Lutalo joined the Jogoos three years ago on return from Aspire Academy in Qatar.

Last season, he scored 8 league goals, only behind the club’s top scorer Jonah Patrick Kakande as SC Villa ended a 20-year wait for their 17^th league title.

Lutalo, in a statement published on his social media accounts, thanked the club management led by Hajji Omar Mandela, coaches, staff, teammates and everyone associated with the Jogoos.

He becomes the third key player to part ways with SC Villa this off-season. The others are Abasi Kyeyune who was sold to Cleopatra Celemica of Egypt and title-winning skipper Kenneth Ssemakula.

The Jogoos will play at the CECAFA Kagame Cup next month and also represent Uganda at the Caf Champions League.

Uganda National U18 Basketball Teams – Junior Gazelles and Junior Silverbacks – continued to shine on Matchday 2 of the FIBA Africa Zone V U18 Qualifiers.

The two teams registered big wins against Kenya and Rwanda, remaining unbeaten in the ongoing tournament at the MTN Arena in Lugogo.

Junior Gazelles beat Kenya 97-47 in a one-sided game.

As was the case against Rwanda, the Junior Gazelles pressed their Kenyan counterparts throughout the game to get easy points as they forced 71 turnovers.

Resty Nanangwe scored 23 points, picked 7 rebounds and made 5 assists in 15 minutes to lead Uganda. Christine Namyalo and Modesta Anyango contributed 19 points apiece and Angella Auma chipped in with 11.

In the boys’ game, the Junior Silverbacks overcame a slow start to beat Rwanda 78-49.

Uganda trailed 15-11 after the first quarter but started to get into their tracks in the second quarter and followed into the third while keeping it tidy on the defensive end.

The side led by as many as 38 points in the third quarter which they dominated 31-7.

Kagaba Musiima (15), Andrew Mukisa Nkugwa (14), Edrine Ekau (11) and Gideon Ekakwai (10) all scored in double digits for Uganda.

Uganda Cranes’ head coach has made changes to the team that will take on Algeria in the 2026 Fifa World Cup Qualifiers at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Two changes have been made to the team that started against Botswana last Friday.

Bobosi Byaruhanga starts in midfield alongside Ronald Ssekigaanda and Kenneth Ssenmakula is pushed to right back in the place of Elvis Bwomono.

Roger Mato takes the place of Allan Okello to join Faahad Bayo and Steven Mukwala to make up the front three.

Travis Mutyaba maintains his number ten role and is tasked with creating for the front three.

Isaac Muleme maintains his place at left back while Halidi Lwaliwa and Elio Capradossi will pair up in the head of defence.

Isam Watenga leads the group from between the sticks.

In a gripping encounter played at the Kibiito Primary School Playground, Bunyangabu and Kibale County settled for a 1-1 draw in their opening match of the MTN Tooro Amasaza Cup.

The game kicked off with high energy as both teams were eager to make a strong start. Kibale County drew first blood in the 31st minute through Ivan Ahereza with a precise header from a corner kick, putting the visitors in the lead and sending their supporters into jubilation.

Bunyangabu County, however, remained resilient and continued to push forward. Their perseverance paid off in the 90th minute when Ivan Kisembo equalized with a penalty kick, securing a point for the hosts dramatically.

Kibale coach Brian Walusimbi expressed his concerns over the officiating, particularly the timing of the penalty awarded to Bunyangabu. “There were several irregularities that favored the host team. The timing of the penalty was questionable, but we remain optimistic about our chances in the next match,” Walusimbi commented.

The match saw an impressive turnout of fans and officials, including the Minister for Gender and Culture, Peace Regis Mutuuzo, and other Tooro Kingdom dignitaries.

Minister Peace Regis Mutuuzo, who is also the Bunyangabu district woman Member of Parliament, showed her support with a generous donation of 500,000 Shs to the match.

Additionally, she pledged 100,000 Shs for each goal scored by Bunyangabu, further incentivizing the team’s performance. “MTN has supported the kingdom in various sectors, and we appreciate their commitment. We have achieved a lot through them,” said Mutuuzo.

Aggrey Byaruhanga, the MTN representative, emphasized the critical role of HIV awareness and prevention in the region. “We thank the attendees for their support and promise continued backing from MTN. This tournament is not just about sports; it’s about community and health,” Byaruhanga noted.

Owek. Micheal Wandera, the Sports Minister of Tooro Kingdom, praised the partnership with MTN Uganda, highlighting the significant financial support from political leaders in Bunyangabu. “The Amasaza tournament has been a dream realized through our partnership with MTN Uganda. The event has been largely peaceful and entertaining, with the public coming out in large numbers to support their teams,” Wandera stated.

The opening match set a thrilling tone for the tournament, promising more excitement and community engagement in the coming weeks. As the tournament progresses, fans and participants alike are eager to see how the competition unfolds and who will emerge victorious in this celebration of sport and culture.

Cricket Cranes locked horns with two-time World Champions West Indies for the first time in any T20i at the World Cup in the wee hours of June 9 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.

West Indies won the toss and chose to bat setting a formidable target of 173 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their 20 overs.

Johnson Charles led the charge with 44 runs supported by Andre Russell’s unbeaten 30.

Uganda faced an uphill battle against the formidable West Indies bowling attack. Left-arm orthodox spinner Akeal Hosein wreaked havoc for Uganda with his spellbinding bowling performance. 

With an incisive haul of 5 wickets for 11 runs, Hosein led the charge as Uganda struggles for runs, ultimately being bowled out for a 39 runs in 12 overs.

“Tough day for us. It is a very steep learning curve. Just shows the difference in class. We were outplayed (in all departments) but we must take the learnings from it: as a batting unit, what we can do better to keep us in the game,” Brian Masaba, Uganda Captain said.

Despite the tough debut for Uganda, the match served as a valuable learning experience for the team, in so many ways.

Match Summary

• Uganda 80/8
• Zimbabwe 78/9 
• Uganda by 2 runs 

The final of the 10th edition of the Kwibuka Cricket Tournament lived up to the hype with the game going down to the last ball.

Victoria Pearls won the toss and elected to bat but their top order was cleaned up cheaply, leaving them at 6/3.

Proscovia Alako (24) and Rita Musamali (15) did some cleaning job but Uganda could only finish on 80/8 in their 20 overs.

In the run chase, Uganda struck early to dismiss Kelis Ndlovu but Captain Chiydeza Dhururu (22) and Loryn Phiri (27) combined to swing the game in Zimbabwe’s favour.

However, when the two set batters were dismissed in quick succession, the Victoria Pearls put the squeeze on Zimbabwe’s back ender.

Janet Mbabazi (5/10) and Consy Aweko (2/17) bowled mean spells to leave 8 runs required for the win in the final over.

Youngster Lorna Anyait was given the defended the 8 runs but it was not without drama.

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named Uganda Cranes Starting XI to take on Botswana in tonight’s Fifa World Cup Qualifier at Mandela National Stadium – Namboole.

Isma Watenga starts in goal for the first time in this qualifying campaign and will captain the team.

The backline has Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Halid Lwaliwa, and Elio Capradossi who will be making his debut for Uganda Cranes.

The midfield will be anchored by SC Villa’s Uganda Premier League-winning pair of Kenneth Ssemakula and Ronald Ssekiganda.

Fahd Bayo and Steven Mukwala lead the search for the goals with support from the creative duo of Travis Mutyaba and Allan Okello

Uganda Cranes XI: Isma Watenga (GK)(C) | Elvis Bwomono, Isaac Muleme, Halid Lwaaliwa, Elio Capradossi | Kenneth Ssemakula, Ronald Ssekiganda, Travis Mutyaba, Allan Okello | Fahad Bayo, Steven Mukwala

Substitutes: Nafian Alionzi (GK), Chrispas Kusiima (GK), Rogers Mato, Denis Omedi, Ibrahim Kasule, Shaban Muhammad, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Nicholas Mwere, Ronald Otti, Joel Sserunjogi, Timothy Awany, Umar Lutalo

Match Summary: Uganda W v Rwanda W

• Uganda 100 all out
• Rwanda 88 all out
• Uganda won by 12 runs

Ugaanda’s Victoria Pearls qualified for their second consecutive Kwibuka Women’s Cricket Tournament final after a nervy win against defending champions and hosts Rwanda.

Uganda won the toss and elected to bat first. Janet Mbabazi and Immaculate Nakisuyi were very assuring at the top before Mbabazi departed.

Kevin Awino earned a promotion to number 3 but she didn’t do much damage.

There were starts for Stephanie Nampiina and Rita Musamali but not converted as the Victoria Pearls struggled to get to a total of 100. Rwanda was brilliant both with the ball and in the field.

In the run chase, captain Diane Marie Bimenyimana took the game to Uganda with an aggressive 37 from 41 balls but she lacked support from the rest of the group until Shakira Niyomuhoza came in at the back end.

Consy Aweko bowled a mean spell of 1/4 in 3 overs. Her line and length were unplayable for Gisele Ishimwe one of the key batters for Rwanda.

The game was on the edge from the 10th over with 62 required from 60 balls and after 14 overs the equation was down to 36 off 39 balls but the hosts panicked and gifted Uganda two runouts that changed the complexion of the game as the hosts did not have enough firepower at the back end.

The Victoria Pearls maintained their 100% record and will play Cameroon in their last group game before the final on Saturday.

Match Summary: Uganda W v Kenya W

• Kenya 65/8
• Uganda 70/2
• Uganda won by 8 wickets

Uganda’s Victoria Pearls dominated neighbours Kenya in the East African Derby at the Kwibuka Tournament in Kigali.

Kenya won the toss and elected to bat first but Sarah Walaza picked a couple of wickets in the opening over.

Uganda had the opportunity of closing out the game at 30/4 but some comfortable bowling changes let the pressure off Kenya who hustled to get to 65 in their 20 overs.

Walaza (3/6) and Consy Aweko (2/14) stood out with ball-in-hand for the Victoria Pearls.

In the run chase, Immaculate Nakisuyi (41) scored freely to lead the Victoria Pearls to victory. She measured her innings well, manipulating the field with her shots finishing the game with a six over the bowler’s head.

Victoria Pearls picked up their fifth victory of the tournament to go top of the table and remains the only unbeaten side.

The Victoria Pearls will take on Rwanda tomorrow (Wednesday) in a must-win game for Rwanda if they are to stay in the hunt for a place in Saturday’s final.

MTN Uganda has given away 40 matchday tickets to its customers to watch Uganda Cranes’ match against Botswana in the Fifa World Cup Qualifiers on Friday.

The Cranes will be playing at Namboole for the first time in five years and the excitement of the team returning to its home continues.

A simple trivia about Uganda Cranes’ involvement in previous World Cup Qualifying campaigns run with forty people who gave correct answers winning tickets.

MTN Ticket Winners

1. Mutesi Rebecca Asiimwe
2. Kakande Herman
3. Edonu Emmanuel
4. Mutto Twalibu
5. Kyobwika Zephaniah 
6. Kiiza Abubakar
7. Atwine Rennicah
8. Angieo Nespal Gideon
9. Edmund Ategeka
10. Elizabeth Agaba
11. Ssembajjwe Samson
12. Mwesigwa Japheth
13. Mwijukye Rodgers
14. Denis Onencan
15. Kyobutungi Sophia
16. Ssenyondo Fairuz
17. Omese Joshua
18. Atukwasa Abubakar
19. Ahimbisibwe Owen
20. Oyesigye Didas
21. Ssempijja Alex
22. Ashaba Arnold
23. Mbattude Shadia
24. Marvin Kirya
25. Eminat John Paul 
26. Osuret Job
27. Kajubi Isaac
28. Katwere Andrew
29. Ssali Ashraf
30. Mukisa Joshua
31. Kyambadde David
32. Jimmy Opiyo
33. Oundo Elvis
34. Aupal Emmanuel
35. Richard Amanyo
36. Andrew Kalyebara
37. Kalule Daniel
38. George Tumusiime
39. Herbert Mugabe
40. Kiberu Abdulnasser

NOTE: The winners will be contacted by MTN Uganda after they send their Name and Email Address (used to comment in answering the trivia) and their MTN Number to MTN Uganda X (Twitter) DM .