The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to August 2025.

However, the exact date in August was not confirmed in the statement.

“Good progress has been made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities for the hosting of a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.

“However the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts some of whom have been based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, have advised CAF that more time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities are at the levels necessary for hosting a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024,” a statement from CAF reads in part.

CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe thanked the heads of state for the three countries that will host the tournament for their commitment to having the facilities ready and meet the standards required.

“I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and the good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.

“I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (“CHAN”) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.”

The draw of the tournament will go ahead as planned in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday 15th January 2025 at 8:00 pm (EAT).

Two international friendlies are being lined up for Uganda Cranes ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) that kicks off next month.

Head coach Paul Put confirmed the development after Monday’s training at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.

“We first had contact with Senegal but they have kept us waiting. So we will play Niger in Rwanda on 18th January,” Put told the press.

Put also said there has been communication with the Democratic Republic of Congo who are currently having their camp in Dubai for another buildup next weekend but it has not been confirmed.

“We also contacted DR Congo who are in Dubai. I have been talking to FUFA and if we can have visas ready on time, we may play this game on 24th January. But these are things I cannot commit 100% because it is the President and his committee to decide, I can only propose.”

Uganda will be playing at CHAN for the seventh time but the Cranes have never progressed beyond the group stage.

The tournament to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will be played between February 1-28.

Meanwhile, the draws for the tournament are scheduled to be held tomorrow (Wednesday, January 15) in Nirobi, Kenya.

Sunday Results

• W: Amazon Rhinos 66-65 Nkumba Lady Marines (1-1)
• W: Angels 54-51 Our Savior Banyabo (1-1)
• M: UMU Flames 52-77 VU Crocs (0-2)
• M: UPDF Tomahawks 49-71 Rezlife Saints (0-2)

Amazon Rhinos and Angels Basketball Club knotted their Division I Playoff Semifinal Series on Sunday.

As was the case at Abja Park in Naalya on Saturday, the clashes at Lugogo Indoor Stadium were as close and decided in the final minutes of each of the games.

Rhinos trailed Nkumba 21-14 in the first quarter but fought back in the second quarter and took charge of the game in the third quarter. They however were not comfortable with possessions, just like their opponents. The two teams committed 28 and 30 turnovers respectively.

Margret Nassali scored 16 points to go with 6 assists and 9 steals to lead the Rhinos. Aisha Lunkuse added 14 points and Shaminah Mukyala contributed 12 points while Charline Karungi picked a team-high 18 rebounds and scored 7 points.

Privas Kayenyi scored a game-high 19 points and pulled down a game-high 28 rebounds in a losing effort for Nkumba. Hezel Ssengendo scored 15 points and Linda Mishelle had 11 points.

In the other women’s game, Martha Likicho was the star performer for Angels who looking for their immediate return to top-flight. The forward scored 17 points and picked 9 rebounds in the 54-51 win over Our Savior. Angel Mabor came in handy with 10 points and as many rebounds.

Our Savior who trailed by double digits at halftime before fighting back in the second had three players score in double figures led by Phiona Apio who netted 16 points and picked 8 rebounds.

Barbara Gimbo (14 points) and Patricia Namugame (11) were the other players to score in double-digits.

Sheryl Botes Ulanda, the Uganda U17 Women’s National Football Team coach, trimmed the number of players that will continue preparing for the qualifiers for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Thirty-nine players were originally summoned to start preparations and entered the residential camp at the FUFA Technical Centre Njeru last Wednesday.

“This morning we have released some players and we are left with 25 players as we continue with our preparations ahead of the games against Namibia,” Botes confirmed.

“The players have really been positive since we arrived here. We are going to keep organizing video sessions so we explain to them what we want them so and they have it in their minds. They know what is at stake now and what we are up against and we are constantly giving them the confidence and belief that beating Namibia is attainable and that it is a collective effort not individual,” she added.

The Teen Cranes will battle Namibia over two legs with both games to be played at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubothe. The first leg will be played on Thursday, January 16 while the return leg comes three days later.

“The girls look good and positive and I am happy that even from the session that we had this so far, good questions from them came up and you could see they were eager to learn and understand what it is that we want them to do against Namibia,” Botes said.

The winner on aggregate will face Kenya at the second qualification phase.

Players in Camp

Goalkeepers: Dorcus Namboozo (Amus College), Rose Kobusinge (Tooro Queens FC), Sharifah Kizito Namutebi (Kampala Queens FC), Haira Nabbosa (Kawempe Muslim Junior Team)

Defenders: Emily Nabuzale (Amus College WFC), Ritah Anitah Nambuusi (Devine Soccer Academy), Martha Babirye (El Cambio Academy), Shalom Nambuya (Amus College), Charity Katusiime (Taggy High School), Rebecca Wembabazi (Tooro Queens FC), Irene Kabarokole (Burahya Doves FC), Belinda Hope Nabawanuka (Kawempe Muslim Junior)

Midfielders: Elizabeth Apetono (Bukedea Comprehensive School), Doreen Aujat (Amus College WFC), Halima Mupyangu (Rines SS WFC), Patience Asanyo (El Cambio Academy), Joan Kizza Namulindwa (Boni Consilii), Mariam Namataka (Amus College WFC), Loyce Komugisha (Boni Consilii), Winfried Isabella Blick Kabarozi (Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC), Shadia Nabirye (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC), Cynthia Kirenga (Kawempe Muslim Junior), Teopista Keneema (Mwenge Queens FC)

Forwards: Agnes Nabukenya (Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC) and Rinah Ariho (Boni Consilii)

Uganda Cranes provisional squad starts residential training on Monday, 13th January 2025 ahead of next month’s Championship of African Nations (CHAN).

Head coach Paul Put trimmed the. squad to 26 after three days of rigorous non-residential training as the team continues to shape ahead of the tournament dedicated to home-based players.

The squad will camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi to continue with preparations.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will host CHAN 2024 from February 1-28, 2025 with the draw event to be conducted on Wednesday (January 15) in Nairobi, Kenya

Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)

Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)

Midfielders: Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isima

Forwards: Arafat Usama (KCCA FC), Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)

MTN Busoga Cycling Championship 2025 | Preliminary Race Schedule

• January 18: Luuka & Bulamogi
• January 19: Bukooli & Bunhole
• January 25: Busiki & Bunha
• January 26: Bugabula & Bukono
• February 1: Kigulu & Bugweri
• February 2: Butembe
• February 15: Grand Finale

Busoga Kingdom and MTN Uganda officially launched the second edition of the MTN Busoga Cycling Championship.

Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness Gabula Nadiope IV, thrilled his subjects at the launch with exquisite cycling skills as he set the bicycle race in motion at the Kingdom Headquarters in Bugembe on Friday, 10^th January 2025.

Preliminary races to select the cyclists who will represent each of Busoga’s eleven chiefdoms of Bunha, Luuka, Bulamogi, Bukooli, Bunhole Bunanumba, Busiki, Bugabula, Bukono, Kigulu, Bugweri, and Butembe will be held between January 18 and February 2, 2025.

The grand finale shall be held on February 15.

Participants in this championship will compete in two categories, that is Tippa (Gaali Ensoga) and Mountain Bikes, with each chiefdom sending four cyclists to the grand finale; two from each category.

John Paul Okwi, MTN Uganda’s Sponsorship and Events Manager, affirmed that the Busoga Cycling Championship aligns with the company’s objective of effecting a positive change in societies.

“It is a great honour to be present and part of this second edition of the Busoga cycling championship. I extend my appreciation to the Kyabazinga of Busoga His Royal Highness Gabula Nadiope IV for allowing MTN to be part of this Kingdom initiative.

“Today, we celebrate a spirit of unity and resilience. This championship has a very special meaning to us as MTN because it is a celebration of hope, and we are excited to partner with the Kingdom to achieve change in this society.

“At MTN, we believe that sports is a very strong pillar and a way through which we can mobilize and facilitate societal change. So, we are honoured, excited and looking forward to a very exciting race starting on the 18^th January 2025,” said Okwi.

The Prime Minister of Busoga Kingdom, Dr Joseph Muvawala, applauded MTN for being a good development partner.

“I thank MTN Uganda for keeping this partnership together, for taking us up when it was a little bit risky. They have been here since this race began, and this partnership has helped us grow to the level where we are.”

MTN Busoga Cycling Championship began in 2022.  Bukooli won the Tippa category while Butembe reigned supreme in the Mountain Sport Bike category.

Awards

The winners of each category at the grand finale will ride home brand-new motorcycles.

First runners-up will pocket two million (2,000,000) each while the second runners-up will smile to one million (1,000,000) individually.

 Fourth-place finishers will earn five hundred thousand shillings (500,000), while those who will finish in fifth place in every category will get three hundred thousand shillings (300,000).

Cyclists who complete the race but finish outside the top five positions will be appreciated with a token of fifty thousand shillings (50,000) each.

JT Lady Jaguars have completed the signing of Aziida Nabayunga and Shakira Nanvubya ahead of the 2025 National Basketball League season.

The pair joins the Lady Jaguars after completing their studies at UCU where they won the 2023 title for the Lady Canons.

Nabayunga will give coach Sudi Ulanga a lot of options as she can play three positions; shooting guard, small forward and power forward against a smaller team. She is also a good rebounder of the basketball.

“It’s all about growth. [The culture here] is the same as UCU culture… growth, working hard and everything. I feel this is a better place for me,” Nabayunga said. “I feel like I’m going to work harder, I feel like we have to win… we have a winning mentality so expect a lot from us, no one loves losing.”

Nanvubya has been the top point guard in the league for the past couple of years and will massively improve the team’s backcourt as well as scoring.

“I was looking for a place where I’m needed and comfortable. I was looking for a club that had the same arrangement or the same culture as UCU, which is of course Jaguars,” Nanvubya told the club media.

“I’m looking forward to winning another championship and going to a club that has the same energy and hung to win it, we match in ambition and I am going to take the challenge on,” she added.

The NBL season will start in late February.

JT Jaguars have announced their first signing ahead of the 2025 National Basketball League season.

The side officially unveiled Peter Sifuma, a versatile frontcourt player, after concluding his tenure with the UCU Canons.

Sifuma’s arrival is a major boost for the team having averaged a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds per game last season and joins Fadhil Chuma in what will be a formidable frontcourt.

The Jaguars recently parted ways with Philip Owili and Yesman Bushiri and continue to restructure as the new season nears.

The team impressed in their debut season in the top flight by reaching the playoffs with the player that they gained promotion with from Division I.

Meanwhile, the women’s side JT Lady Jaguars also strengthened their squad with Shakira Nanvubya and Aziida Nabayunga, also from the UCU Lady Canons.

The 2025 National Basketball League is slated to tip off in late February, awaiting confirmation from FUBA.

Uganda She Cranes have started preparations for the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup, set to take place from February 1-9 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham and Copper Box Arena in London, England.

The tournament will feature four teams; England Roses, South Africa’s SPAR Proteas, and Malawi’s Queens as well as the She Cranes.

The She Cranes, under the guidance of a new technical team led by Rashid Mubiru and Ruth Meeme, began training at the Makerere University Main Grounds.

The squad has both youth and experience. Season players Stella Oyella (GS/GA/WA) and Wing Defender Sylvia Nanyonga return to the national fold.

Rising midcourt star Joan Reroboth from St. Mary’s SS Kitende has been handed her first national team call-up alongside Police captain Barbara Namukaaya and Rachael Nanyonga as well as familiar names such as Margaret Baagala, Shadiah Nassanga, Irene Eyaru, Mary Nuba, Hanisha Muhammad, and Gloria Aya.

Full Squad

Shooters – Shadiah Nassanga (KCCA), Christine Namulumba (Prisons), Barbara Namukaaya (Police), Rachael Nanyonga (NIC), Irene Eyaru (KCCA), Stella Oyella (UK), Mary Nuba Cholhok (Queensland Firebirds)

Middle Court – Fildauce Namuleme (NIC), Akello Malisera (Prisons), Penelope Amiya (NIC), Joan Reroboth (St Mary’s Kitende), Hindu Namutebi (Police), Margaret Baagala (NIC), Lilian Achola (Weyonje)

Defenders – Sandra Nambirige (NIC), Sylvia Nanyonga (Prisons), Gloria Aya (NIC), Nasim Mutesi (NIC), Christine Nakitto (KCCA), Hanisha Muhameed (KCCA), Kayeny Privas (NIC), Dorah Nakijoba (UPDF

All Fixtures (East African Time)

Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

Saturday, February 1

• South Africa vs. Uganda – 6:00pm
• England vs. Malawi – 8:00pm

Sunday, February 2

• Malawi vs. Uganda – 5:00pm
• England vs. South Africa – 7:00pm

Copper Box Arena, London

Saturday, February 8

• Malawi vs. South Africa – 6:00pm
• England vs. Ugandan – 8:00pm

Sunday, February 9

• 3rd Place Playoff – 4:30pm
• Final – 7:00pm

KOBs Rugby Football Club successfully held its 2024 Annual General Meeting at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo over the weekend.

The meeting presided over by Club Chairman Dr Luggya Tonny Stone provided a comprehensive review of the past season and laid out the club’s plans.

Last season, KOBs finished fourth in both the 15s and 7s and were knocked out of the Uganda Cup at the semifinal stage.

To change their fortunes on the pitch, club legend Timothy Mudoola and former utility back Keith Sseruyange will take charge of the coaching duties.

“We as KCB KOBS have gone back to the drawing board, determined to end our drought of trophies. With new leadership from Head Coach Timothy Mudoola and Assistant Coach Keith Sseruyange, we aim to dominate both the games and the scoreboards this season,” Luggya said.

“We call upon all our fans to come enjoy poetry in motion, support the boys in every game and training session, and make every weekend a celebration,” Luggya rallied.

KOBs will kick off the new season of the Rugby Championship against Rhinos on Saturday, January 11 at Legends.