• Uganda Premier League | Results
• URA 1-0 Lugazi
• Police 1-2 Maroons

URA secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Lugazi during a Uganda Premier League encounter at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo on Thursday.

The Tax Collectors condemned Lugazi to the first defeat in six games played in the ongoing league.

The Leaders had played to five consecutive stalemates in the league, but URA ended the run.

The game started with a low temple as both sides tried to keep a respectable shape and limit the opponent’s attacks.

Ivan Ahimbisibwe broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute with an emphatic finish after being set up by Joseph Semujju.

In the 36th  minute, Laban Tibita lost possession in a dangerous area but Freedom Mungudit failed to capitalise on the great opportunity.

URA came close to doubling their lead but custodian Emuran Fahad palmed away Shariph Kimbowa’s effort in the 70th minute.

The victory sends URA in the 4th position with 21 points while Lugazi lie 12th with 13 points after 13 games.  

Uganda’s long-distance runner Stephen Kissa claimed victory in the Tata Steel Kolkata World 25K on Sunday, logging his first win in an international competition in five years.

Kissa clocked 1:12:33 to dethrone Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo who came second.

The leading group of last year’s winner Daniel Ebenyo, Benson Kipruto, Kissa and Haymanot Alew reached 10km in 28:42 with Ebenyo looking strong, remaining at the helm or alongside Kissa for much of the race.

They reached 15km in 42:56, with Ebenyo and Kissa still leading the pack as the pace picked up along the tram tracks of South Kolkata. Kipruto dropped off as Kissa took the lead at the 20km mark, clocking 57:50, with Ebenyo close behind.

Ebenyo tried to move away from Kissa but the Ugandan athlete held off the challenge to sprint to the tape and win in 1:12:33.

“I realised that I ran well today,” said Kissa. “I thought this could be my day. At the last kilometre, I was comfortable, and I knew I could do it.”

Ebenyo finished runner-up four seconds later, while Anthony Kipchirchir came through for third place in 1:12:55.

“Every day, a champion is born in sports. Last year, it was me. This year, it was Kissa. That is the fun of sports. I am very happy. He has flown the flag of Uganda and congratulations,” Ebenyo said.

Leading Results

Men

1. Stephen Kissa (UGA) 1:12:33
2. Daniel Ebenyo (KEN) 1:12:37
3. Anthony Kipchirchir (KEN) 1:12:55
4. Benson Kipruto (KEN) 1:13:25
5. Asbel Rutto (KEN) 1:13:36

After playing consistently throughout the year, Saidi KirariraTwijukye and Jovia Tugume were on Saturday night crowned the MTN Grand Tee of Tees overall winners.

Kirarira led the men’s order of merit with a total of 557 from his best 8 rounds of the year to stay clear of Richard Oloka (566) and Raymond Ekwamu (568).

Kirarira, playing off handicap 12, recorded his best round in September when he returned to the clubhouse with a nett score of 62.

Tugume amassed 575 to lead the women’s order of merit ahead of Pamela Tumusiime (577) and last year’s winner Bridget Basiima (578). Like Kirarira, Tugume, playing off handicap 18, had her best round in September when she carded 68 nett.

Meanwhile, Andrew Kibaya topped the day emerging as the overall winner of the December tournament. The handicap 17 golfer returned a nett score of 68 beating Llyod Busuulwa on countback.

MTN Monthly Tee – December Top Performers

Overall Winner

• Andrew Kibaya – 68 c/b

Group A – Men

• Winner: Richard Oloka – 70 c/b
• Runner Up: Joseph Adrapi – 73

Group B – Men

• Winner: Marvin Kagoro – 69 c/b
• Runner Up: Lony Akena – 69

Group C – Men

• Winner: Lloyd Busuulwa – 68 c/b
• Runner Up: Picole Lukyamuzi – 70

Group A – Ladies

• Winner: Bridget Basiima – 74 c/b
• Runner Up: Ritah Apel – 74

Group B – Ladies

• Winner: Nice Janda – 72 c/b
• Runner Up: Peace Hellen – 72

Nearest to the Pin

• Men – Martin Kivumbi
• Ladies – Victoria Bagaaya

Longest Drive

• Men – David Mpanga
• Ladies – Sammy Nakanjako

Guest Winner

• Nathan Mubiru – 64

Seniors Winner 

• Richard Muchunguzi – 69

For years, Entebbe Golf Club did not have a recognised halfway house but rather a shade for service providers with seats under a tree for golfers to take a breather after playing the opening nine holes.

However, that is no more thanks to a partnership that the club entered into with MTN Uganda last year that included sponsoring the Monthly Mug (now known as the MTN Monthly Tee), the renovation of the clubhouse and the construction of a halfway house.

On Saturday, December 14 during the MTN Granda Tee of Tees, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge delivered on one of the promises as she officially opened and handed over the halfway house known as the MTN Pod.

“MTN is all about powering the passion that drives every Ugandan. I hope you enjoy the club, I hope you enjoy the Pod. This is MTN’s gift to you,” Mulinge told the golfers present in her short speech.

“We are really grateful to MTN for constructing the MTN Pod for the club,” Entebbe Club captain Serwano Walusimbi said. “For a club of our stature, it is important that we have a halfway house.”

Meanwhile, Saidi Kirarira and club lady captain Jovia Tugume emerged as the overall winners of the Grand Tee of Tees for their consistent performance throughout the year.

Kirarira led the men’s order of merit with a total of 557 from his best 8 rounds of the year to stay clear of Richard Oloka (566) and Raymond Ekwamu (568) while Tugume amassed 575 to lead the women’s order of merit ahead of Pamela Tumusiime (577) and last year’s winner Bridget Basiima (578).

Uganda’s She Cranes put up a spirited fight but came short against South Africa in the finals of the 2024 Africa Netball Cup on Saturday in Namibia.

The She Cranes lost 65-50 to South Africa who led all four quarters.

Nelson Bogere’s charges trailed by four goals (16-12) at the end of the first quarter. They improved defensively in the second quarter but the production in the offensive circle remained the same and trailed 30-24 at halftime.

The Ugandans were out of steam in the third quarter which the South Africans dominated to lead by 17 goals (50-33).

The victory marked South Africa’s fourth Africa Netball Cup title to edge ahead of Uganda who remain on three titles.

Uganda’s centre Margaret Bagala was named the tournament’s best centre after her stellar performance throughout the cup.

The team returns home on Monday.

Uganda’s Starting 7

• Faridah Kadondi (GK)
• Sandra Nambirige (GD)
• Gloria Aya (WD)
• Margret Bagaala (C)
• Mercy Batamuliza (WA)
• Irene Eyaru (GA)
• Mary Cholhok (GS)

Substitutes

• Hanisha Muhameed (GK/GS)
• Shadiah Nassanga (GA/GS)
• Christine Namulumba (GS)
• Joyce Nakibuule (C/WA)
• Christine Nakiito (GD/WD)

ILT20 Continent Cup Final

• Nigeria 89 all out
• Uganda 90/4
• Uganda won by 6 wickets

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes successfully defended their ILT20 Continent Cup title in a low-scoring final, defeating Nigeria by 6 wickets.

The Cricket Cranes were unbeaten on their way to the final and Nigeria came through the midfield to earn a spot in the final.

Simon Ssesazi, Joseph Baguma, and Pascal Murungi were left out for the final game with Raghav Dhawan and Shrideep Mangela earning the competitive top-order slots while legend Frank Nsubuga was preferred over Baguma.

Nigeria won the toss and elected to bat first but they were never allowed to get going because of some disciplined bowling by Uganda. Cosmas Kyewuta and Juma Miyagi were strong up front and well supported by Frank Nsubuga. Isaac Danladi (32) was the lone ranger for the Yellow Greens who could only manage 89 in 17.3 overs.

In the run chase, Uganda lost both openers cheaply to leave them railing at 2/2. Captain Riazat Ali Shah (42) and Raghav Dhawan (13) steadied the ship before Dinesh Nakrani (27) joined the Captain later to ensure the result for the defending champions.

Nigeria despite a great start just never scored enough runs to trouble Uganda in their title defence.

The tournament allowed head coach Abhay Sharma to look at his charges in a low-pressure tournament as the Cricket Cranes look ahead to the Africa T20 finals next year in Zimbabwe.

Uganda with a 10/10 performance at the second edition of the Continent Cup in Kigali Rwanda.

Robinson Obuya walked away with the best batter award while Henry Ssenyondo won both the best bowler award and MVP title.

• Semifinal Result: Uganda 51-43 Malawi

Uganda She Cranes have qualified for the finals of the Africa Netball Cup.

The She Cranes achieved the the feat after coming from down in the first half to beat Malawi, 51-43.

Nelson Bogere’s side started slow falling back in the opening quarter by 6 goals (14-8) largely due to turnovers from good Malawi defense.

Bogere made changes for the second quarter with Joyce Nakibuule making way for Mercy Batamuliza at Wing Attack and later Sandra Nambirige coming in for Hanisha Muhameed.

The change saw Nambirige take over Wing Defense with Gloria Aya moved to the defensive circle at Goal Defense to join Goal Keeper Faridah Kadondi. The result was Uganda crowing back into the game and going for the halftime break level at 23.

Uganda led for the first time in the third quarter and never looked back with Shadiah Nassanga later coming on to join Mary Nuba in the attacking circle for captain Iren Eyaru who sustained a knock.

The She Cranes will take on South Africa in the final on Saturday at 3:00 pm (EAT).

The MTN Grand Tee of Tees will take centre stage at Entebbe Golf Club with over 200 golfers taking the par 71 course.

According to the draw released by the club, the top two in the Men’s Oder of Merit, Saidi Kirarira and Raymond Okwemu, will tee off at 8:10am. Kirarira is the favourite to win the overall gong.

However, there is stiff competition among the top three ladies on who will take the coveted prize.

Club lady captain Jovia Tugume (575), Pamela Tumusiime (577), and Bridget Basiima (580) are all within reach for the women’s grand prize.

There is an all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from CFAO Mobility that has been staked for a hole-in-one on the tricky par-3 Hole 8.

The theme of the evening at the 19th hole is “Sunshine at Dusk” with the dress code calling for a touch of yellow.

The mode of play shall be medal, full handicap with a mega prize-giving ceremony set to happen at the spacious Entebbe Cricket Oval.

The She Cranes of Uganda outclassed Eswatini, 85-34, in the ultimate group game at the Africa Netball Cup on Thursday afternoon.

This win propelled the three-time African champions into the semifinals of the 2024 championship.

Uganda dominated and led the game from start to finish with the first ending 27-3 before the lead was stretched to 35 (48-13) by the end of the second quarter.

In the third quarter, coach Nelson Bogere made some changes handing Fildaus Namulema a debut and Christine Namulamba playing time as Uganda had extended their advantage to 63-25.

It was Uganda’s second win in three games, following their win against Namibia on Wednesday having suffered a narrow 49-50 opening-day loss to Zimbabwe.

The She Cranes will take on Malawi in the semifinals scheduled to take place on Friday, December 13.

She Cranes Starting 7

• GS – Mary Nuba
• GA – Irene Eyaru
• WA – Mercy Batamuliza
• C – Margaret Bagala
• WD – Gloria Aya
• GD – Sandra Nambirige
• GK – Faridah Kadondi

Substitutes

• Christine Nakitto (GD)
• Christine Namulumba Kango (GS)
• Shadia Nassanga (GA)
• Fildaus Namulema (C)
• Racheal Nanyonga (GA)

ILT20 Continent Cup | Uganda vs. Nigeria

• Uganda 151/7
• Nigeria 128/7
• Uganda won by 23 runs

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes secured their place in the final of the ILT20 Continent Cup in Kigali, Rwanda with a 23-run win over Nigeria.

The result maintained Uganda’s perfect record, as it won seven out of seven matches at the tournament, but Nigeria gave a great account of itself despite coming up short.

The Yellow Greens won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision backed up by some great bowling to leave Uganda railing at 39/4 inside 9 overs. Fred Achellam (28) and Dinesh Nakrani (32) combined for 55 runs to give Uganda some control, with the rare guard putting some flourish on things to help Uganda finish on 151/8 in their 20 overs.

In the run chase, Nigeria was slow out of the blocks with Uganda bowling some mean spells especially Frank Nsubuga who gave away only five runs in two overs.

Nigeria failed to keep up with the required run rate and was mostly behind the game until some sustained hitting from the captain Sylvester Okpe (41) but it came a little too late in the end.

Nigeria ran out of resources with 23 runs still required for the victory. So close but so far away for a side that has pushed the Cricket Cranes every time they have met.

Uganda into the final for the tournament on Saturday and will wait for those behind them to know who they will take on in the afternoon final.