Bukooli Chiefdom rider Tiffu Luganda and Kigulu’s John Odoto crossed the finish line first in the finale of the Busoga Kingdom Cycling Championship on Saturday.

Luganda won the Tippa (Gaali Ensoga) category while Odoto topped the Mountain Sports Bike group.

Farmer Shafik from Bunha and Dominic Mugoda of Butembe Chiefdoms finished second and third respectively in the Tippa category with Hussein Kigenyi (Bunha) and Magidu Kawa (Kigulu) finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.

In the Mountain Sports Bikes category, Mensuramu Magemeso, representing Luuka Chiefdom, finished second and Byansi Rogers (Bugabula) also made it to the podium in third.

Musilimu Kiwanuka of Luuka Chiefdom finished fourth position followed by Meni Kakaire of Bunha in fifth.

A total of 44 riders in the two categories participated in the finale, with the top five in each being rewarded. The two winners received new motorcycles (CT 125 HD).

The second-place winners received a cash prize of 2 million Ugandan shillings. Third-place finishers pocketed 1 million shillings, fourth-place winners 500,000 shillings, and fifth-place finishers 300,000 shillings.

The 175 km race, featuring the best cyclists from the Busoga Chiefdoms, began at 8:00 AM at the iconic Busoga Kingdom Headquarters.

Riders braved the beautiful but challenging sceneries of; Bugembe, Kakira, Magamaga, and Musita before reaching Iganga Town and returning to the Kingdom Headquarters.

Match Summary

• Uganda 148 all out in 41.1 Overs
• Tanzania 89 all out in 29.1 Overs
• Uganda won by 59 runs

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes completed the second round of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B with a clinical 59-run victory over Tanzania at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.

Despite a relatively poor batting display, the Cricket Cranes’ bowling attack, led by Player of the Match Juma Miyagi, dismantled Tanzania’s lineup to secure victory.

The Cricket Cranes were asked to bat first and were bundled out for 148 in 41.1 Overs.

Raghav Dhawan (63 off 102) recorded another half-century to lead Uganda with Fred Achelam (21) and Dinesh Nakrani (23) coming in handy.

Tanzania’s disciplined bowling attack was led by Ally Kimote (4/20) and Sivaraj Selvaraj (2/23).

Juma Miyagi led Uganda’s defence of the total and produced match-winning bowling that ripped through Tanzania’s batting order. The pacer produced the most impressive figures at the tournament picking 6 wickets and giving away just 17 runs in 8.1 overs.

Tanzania was cleaned out for just 89 inside 30 overs with Cosmas Kyewuta (2/17), Dinesh Nakrani (1/20) and Bilal Hassan (1/23) picking the other wickets.

With the win, Uganda completed the Hong Kong leg of the Challenge League B unbeaten and finished top of the standings ahead of the Tanzania leg.

The second edition of the MTN Busoga Kingdom Cycling Championship concludes this weekend with the grand finale on Saturday in areas of Jinja and Iganga.

The race, featuring the best four cyclists from each of the eleven Busoga Chiefdoms, will begin at 8:00 AM at the iconic Busoga Kingdom Headquarters.

The 175km challenge will take riders through the beautiful scenery of Bugembe, Kakira, Magamaga, and Musita before reaching Iganga Town.

With weary legs, riders will push for the finish line at the Busoga Kingdom Headquarters, where a large crowd is expected.

A total of 44 riders from two categories qualified for the finale by placing first and second in their respective Chiefdoms.

Each of the two groups, Tippa (Gaali Ensoga) and Mountain Sport Bikes, features 22 riders.

The top five finishers in each category will receive prizes from MTN Uganda.

Champions will each win a brand-new motorcycle, while second-place winners will receive a cash prize of 2 million Ugandan shillings.

Third-place finishers will pocket 1 million shillings, fourth-place winners 500,000 shillings, and fifth-place finishers 300,000 shillings.

Following Ronald Rugumayo’s heroics last year at the Magical Kenya Open at the par-71 Muthaiga Golf Club, another Ugandan will be on the draw this year.

The 2022 Uganda Open champion and national team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai will compete at the prestigious tournament. The Toro-born golfer will take up a slot that was initially Michael Alunga’s.

Alunga had earned entry into the Magical Kenya Open after defeating Cwinya-ai in the final of the Kenya Amateur Match Play championship that was held at Windsor Golf Club last July.

However, with Alunga confirming his non-attendance, the Uganda Golf Union raised the matter to the organisers of the Magical Kenya Open who confirmed that Cwinya-ai could occupy the slot having lost to Alunga after 38 holes of a historic match play final.

Cwinya-ai, currently in Kigali for the Rwanda Open, was an elated man when news was broken to him. “I can’t wait to rub shoulders with Europe’s top golf professionals,” he said. “Being my first time, I am destined to learn one or two things which I can share with my fellow national team golfers,” he added.

There is also a window for other Ugandans to get into next week’s DP World Tour tournament which is via a rigorous 36-hole one-day qualification competition at Vet Lab on Monday.

Some of the Ugandan professionals who have confirmed participation in these qualifiers are Pearl of Africa Golf series winner Marvin Kibirige and veteran Deo Akope.

In the past, qualification for the Magical Kenya Open was done via an order of merit from the Safari Tour rounds. But a lack of activity this season has compelled organisers to go slow on the matter while hatching alternative ways of entry into the tournament.

The Magical Kenya Open is the biggest golf tournament in every calendar year in Kenya. Started in 1967, it grew into a Challenge Tour event before rising to become a world-renowned DP World Tour event.

Match Summary

• Uganda 276 all out in 49.5 Overs
• Hong Kong-China 200 all out in 46.3 Overs

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes delivered a commanding performance to beat Hong Kong-China by 76 runs in a thrilling contest at the ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) Challenge League B on Thursday.

The high-stakes match saw Cricket Cranes consolidate their position at the top of the standings with 16 points, four clear of their closest rivals, Italy and the hosts.

Despite coming into the clash after their table-topping encounter against Italy was washed out, Uganda displayed tactical brilliance to outclass Hong Kong-China in all three departments.

Batting first, Uganda set a formidable total of 276 all out in 49.5 overs with all-rounder Alpesh Ramjani leading the charge with a blistering 68 off 54 balls, supported by Raghav Dhawan (52 off 77) and skipper Riazat Ali Shah (40 off 25).

Hong Kong-China’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Ehsan Khan (4/53 in 10 overs) and Yasim Murtaza (3/34 in 8.5 overs), tried to keep Uganda in check, but aggressive batting ensured a competitive total was set.

In response, Hong Kong-China struggled to build partnerships and were bowled out for 200 in 46.3 overs. Wicketkeeper-batsman Zeeshan Ali (51 off 64) and Murtaza (50 off 67) showed some resistance, but Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Player of the Match Ramjani (4/18 in 9
overs), Cosmas Kyewuta (2/43 in 8.3), and Juma Miyaji (2/54 in 9) proved too strong for the hosts.

“We played a perfect game, the best we have done this tournament in all three departments. The openers fought hard in the first hour after we lost the toss. Scoring 277 was always going to be a good target given the conditions. There is no celebration yet—our job is not finished, and we must. focus on our next match against Tanzania,” Uganda’s coach Abhay Sharma said.

The team takes a day off on Friday and returns to action against Tanzania on Saturday their last game of the round.

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) have named the Men’s National Basketball team, the Silverbacks, squad for the last phase of the 2025 AfroBasket Qualifiers.

Star forward Ishmail Wainwright who currently plays for Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Tel Aviv but missed the first window in February last year in Tunisia makes a return to the team.

Jimmy Enabu who was absent from the first phase due to work commitments also returns.

The foreign-based quartet of Robinson Opong, Emmanuel Timothy Womala, Jonathan Komagum, and Deng Geu are also part of the team.

However, the squad will be without promising forward Arthur Kaluma, who is tied up with college commitments at the University of Texas with the Longhorns. City Oilers forward Titus Lual Odeke misses out due to injury while Adam Seiko also misses out due to work.

The final six games of Group B are set to take place in Tripoli, Libya, from February 21-23, with Uganda looking to secure a spot at this year’s AfroBasket tournament in Angola.

This window comes just after the Gazelles, the women’s side, earned a ticket to the Women’s Afrobasket in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Silverbacks Roster for AfroBasket Qualifiers:

1. Jimmy Enabu
2. Tonny Drilleba
3. Fayed Baale
4. Ishmail Wainwright
5. Ivan Muhwezi
6. Robinson Opong
7. Peter Obleng
8. Emmanuel Timothy Womala
9. Deng Geu
10. Jonathan Komagum
11. Joel Kayiira
12. James Okello

Officials

• Head coach – Mandy Juruni
• Assistant – Andrew Tendo
• Video Analyst – Ben Komakech
• Statistician – Michael Schmitz
• Physiotherapist – Vincent Etyang
• Head of Delegation – Nasser Sserunjogi
• General Manager – Muhammad Santur
• Team Manager – Albert Ahabwe

Silverbacks Fixtures

• Friday, Feb 21: vs. Cape Verde – 7:00 pm
• Saturday, Feb 22: vs. Nigeria – 7:00 pm
• Sunday, Feb 23: vs. Libya – 10:00 pm

KCCA FC and MTN Uganda have launched a new ticketing venture for Ugandan football fans that access MTN Omondi Stadium for KCCA FC’s home games.

The offer that will run for the remainder of the season was announced on Tuesday at a press conference held at the stadium.`

“With MTN MoMo ticketing, fans will enjoy discounted tickets for all KCCAFC home games at MTN Omondi stadium.

“Starting with the match vs. Vipers on Sunday, tickets go for 15,000/= (5,000 discount) and you’ll have access through a dedicated gate,” John Paul Okwi, Sponsorships and Events – MTN Uganda, said.

“As the number one fan of Ugandan football, MTN is bringing onboard experience. We started this ticketing test with KCCA FC in 2019, and we have fine-tuned this over the years. We have had some challenges since we launched this platform, but we have worked on most of them, and we are ready to serve the Uganda football fans. We want to see the fans in the stadiums supporting the club, and we are looking forward to a whole year of discounts.” Okwi added.

The objective of this new development is to have a hassle-free experience for football fans. MTN Market by MoMo is also finalizing plans with KCCA FC to have merchandise on the MTN Momo app.

“This venture is to start in the first home game of the second round for KCCA FC. We have started with the KCCA FC vs Vipers SC on Sunday, 16th February 2025. The ordinary ticket will go for 20,000 but if you buy it using MTN MoMo Ticketing, you will get it at 15,000 ugx. This discounted offer ends on Saturday, 15th February 2025. The discounts will vary according to the different games the club will be playing at home in the second round,” Muhoozi said.

How to buy the ticket using USSD?

1. Dial *165*20#
2. Enter your pin to unlock MoMo ticketing.
3. Select option 1. which is MoMo ticketing
4. Select option 4, which is KCCA FC vs Vipers SC
5. Select option 1. to buy your ticket
6. Select 1 or 2 to get your ticket via; 1. SMS or 2. SMS and Email.

NOTE: This discount on MTN MoMo ticketing for the KCCA FC vs Vipers SC game will expire on Saturday 15th February 

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes continued their winning streak at the ICC CWC Challenge League Group B with a commanding 8-wicket win over Singapore on Monday.

The Cricket Cranes sealed the victory with 56 balls to spare.

Today’s win follows a 52-run triumph against Bahrain in the second-round tournament opener last week.

Riazat Ali Sha won the toss and sent in Singapore to bat first. Uganda’s disciplined bowling attack, led by left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo, tamed Singapore’s batting lineup, restricting them to 243/9 in 50 overs.

Ssenyondo finished with impressive figures of 4/36 from 9 overs with Cosmas Kyewuta (2/51) and Kenneth Waiswa 1/26 chipping in with crucial wickets.

Despite the small ground dimensions favouring big-hitting, Uganda’s top-order batsmen were controlled. Raghav Dhawan anchored the chase with an unbeaten 71 off 66 balls to earn his second Player of the Match Award.

Alpesh Ramjani (67 off 61 balls) came in at 4 to partner with Dhawan partnered for the match-winning 121-run stand, guiding Uganda to 245/2 in just 40.4 overs.

Match Summary:

• Singapore: 243/9 in 50 overs (Aman Desai 66, Ishaan Swaney 64 | Henry Ssenyondo 4/36)
• Uganda: 245/2 in 40.4 overs (Raghav Dhawan 71, Alpesh Ramjani 67* | Manpreet Singh 1/50)

Next Up

• Wednesday, February 12
• Uganda vs. Italy – 4:00 am, EAT

2025 Entebbe Stanbic Bank Match Play Challenge Schedule:
 

• Qualifier: February 8, 2025 (Completed)
• Round 1: March 8, 2025
• Round 2: April 12, 2025
• Round 3: May 10, 2025
• Quarterfinals: June 14, 2025
• Semifinals: July 12, 2025
• Grand finale: August 2, 2025

The third edition of the Entebbe Stanbic Match Play Challenge officially teed off on Saturday, 8^th February 2025 at the par-71 course.

Over 170 golfers took part in the one-day qualification round with 64 pairings advancing to round one which will be played on Women’s Day (Saturday 8^th March 2025).

Tournament co-sponsor CFAO Mobility staked a car (Suzuki Grand Vitara) for an ace on the par-3 hole number two and a Yamaha bike on any par-3. However, the car and bike remained unclaimed for failure to hit the ace.

Entebbe Club chairperson Jacob Byamukama lauded all the golfers who took part in the qualification round and was full of praise for the sponsors and partners who make the Match Play championship tick.

“I thank you all the golfers who played in the qualification round. Entebbe Club is always glad to have you,” Byamukama said at the 19th Hole.

“This remains one of our signature events on the calendar. I thank Stanbic Bank in a special way and all the other partners; Uganda Airlines, DSTV for business, Afrisafe, Toyota and Uganda Breweries Limited for joining hands,” he added.

None paired golfers featured in the subsidiary cluster and the top golfers won varying prizes.

Michael Ouma and the band entertained the golfers and other guests during the 19th-hole celebrations.

The winning pair at the grand finale will earn fully paid-for return air tickets to Dubai.

The duo of Joyce Kisembo and Lillian Koowe was the winning combination of 2024.

Subsidiary Category Top performers:

Nearest to the pin (Hole 10):

• Ladies: Maxi Byenkya
• Men: Elly Mukasa

Longest Drive (Hole 18):

• Ladies: Esther Aganyira
• Men: Timothy Okanya

Ladies:

Group A:

• Winner: Berna Musanabera (H/C 10) – 75 Nett
• Runners up: Rita Akot Apell (HC 16) – 76 Nett

Group B:

• Winner: Esther Aganyira (HC 36) – 70 Nett
• Runners up: Ruth Mugisha (HC 33) – 71 Nett

Men:

Group A:

• Winner: Anthony Agaba (H/C 9) – 67 Nett
• Runners up: Sam Kacungira (H/C 7) – 70 Nett

Group B:

• Winner: William Esuma (H/C 12) – 67 Nett
• Runners up: Jimmy Adiga (H/C 17) – 68 Nett

Group C:

• Winner: Brian Nsubuga (H//C 28) – 64 Nett
• Runners up: Christopher Kintu H/C 28 – 66 Countback

Pearl of Africa Golf Series 2025 | Professionals

Round 3 Leaderboard (Top 16)

• Leader: Marvin Kibirige – 68, 72, 72 (212)
• 2: Ronald Rugumayo – 68, 77, 69 (214)
• 3: David Kamulindwa – 71, 71, 73 (215)
• T4: Tadeo Rodell Gaita – 70, 76, 71 (217)
• T4: Phillip Kasozi – 72, 76, 69 (217)
• T6: Grace Kasango – 77, 71, 71 (219)
• T6: Deo Akope – 71, 74, 74 (219)
• 8: Irene Nakalembe  – 71, 76, 73 (220)
• T9: Abraham Ainamani – 71, 76, 73 (222)
• T9: Opio Onito – 76, 70, 76 (222)
• T9: Samuel Kato – 74, 74, 74 (222)
• 12: Ronald Otile – 75, 77, 72 (224)
• T13: Becca Mwanja – 74, 78, 74 (226)
• T13: Brian Mwesigwa – 73, 78, 75 (226)
• 15: Ronald Bukenya – 79, 76, 72 (227)
• 16: Nasser Mackie – 78, 73, 77 (228)

After the third round of the inaugural Pearl of Africa Golf Series played at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club, Kampala on Friday, February 7, Maarvin Kibirige maintains his lead.

However, it remains a cut-throat competition heading to the final round on Saturday.

Kibirige has amassed a 4-under 212 in 54 holes, two shots better than the aggressive Ronald Rugumayo who climbed to second after round three.

After opening up with 4-under 68 in round one, Kibirige has played level par (72) for the second and third rounds.

Following a dismal 5-over 77 in the second round, Rugumayo bettered with 3-under 69, the joint-best score in the third round, alongside Phillip Kasozi.

David Kamulindwa is 3 shots behind the leader while Tadeo Rodell Gaita and Phillip Kasozi are tied for 217 in the fourth position.

Grace Kasango and Deo Akope have 219 apiece and share the 6^th place.

The only lady who made the cut, Irene Nakalembe (220), is a shot behind from Kasango and Akope.

The trio of Abraham Ainamani, Opio Onito and Samuel Kato have 222 apiece as they tie in 9^th.

Former amateur open champion Ronald Otile seats 12^th with 224 as the duo of Becca Mwanja and Brian Mwesigwa have both tallied 226, sharing the 13^th position.

Ronald Bukenya (227) and Nasser Mackie (228) complete the top 16 positions.

The fourth and final round will be on Saturday as the quest for the bargain of the total prize fund of Ugx 20,000,000 is concluded.