Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team (the Gazelles) head coach Nicholas Natuhereza has named the final squad ahead of the Afrobasket Zone V Qualifiers.

A total of 12 players have been selected to help Uganda secure a spot in the Afrobasket tournament.

To achieve this, the Gazelles will face tough competition from Egypt (the hosts), Kenya, Burundi, and South Sudan.

The tournament is set to tip off on Monday, February 3, and will run until Saturday, February 8.

Uganda began preparations on Tuesday, February 21, before shifting to a residential camp in Nakirebbe on Thursday, February 27.

Last year, Uganda hosted the qualifiers but failed to secure an automatic spot after falling to Egypt in the final.

However, they received a wild card and went on to finish seventh in the final tournament with a spectacular performance.

Gazelles Final Squad: Maxine Modesta Anyango, Jane Asinde, Hope Akello, Jamilah Nansinkombi, Agatha Kamwada, Shillah Lamunu Aber, Shakirah Nanvubya, Becky Keren Longom, Bushira Namayanja, Mellisa Akullu, Paige Robinson, Claire Lamunu

FIBA Playoffs Division One | Results

• Our Saviour 48-34 Nkumba Marines (2-2)

Our Saviour Banyabo registered a 48-34 victory against Nkumba Marines in the FUBA Playoffs Division One at YMCA Courts, Wandegeya on Wednesday.

Our Saviour have leveled the series 2-2 in game four bouncing back from 2-0 down in the first two games.

Nkumba suffered a big blow missing the services of their stay player Privas Kayeny who travelled with the She Cranes in the Netball Cup in England.

Nkumba Marines takes a one-point lead (9-8) at the end of the first stanza.

However Banyabo returned in the second stanza and opened a five-point (22-17) lead going into the long break.

The Marines were linited to only four points in the third stanza as Banyabo opened a lead of 18 points (39-21).

Despite the improvement by the Marines in the final quarter, Banyabo won the game with 14 (48-34) points.

Both sides will return for game five on Friday, January 31 as they continue to fight for the top prize.

Experienced guard Tonny Drileba joined fans’ favourite Namuwongo Blazers in the ongoing transfer window.

Drilleba completed the switch alongside James Okello, Henry Ssebagala and Moses Mugisha who were unveiled to the public in a ceremony held at ABJA Park in Nalya.

Speaking about the transfer, Drileba expressed excitement after completing the move but also promised to his all to the new club.

“I am glad to be here and I promise to give 100% whenever given a chance to put on the jersey,” Drileba said.

“To the fans, they should expect good basketball because I am here to win. I have played competitive basketball but this is a fresh assignment and am ready for it,” he added.

Drileba appreciated the organisation and structures the Nam Blazers have established, believing that they will take them to the next level.

“I like being part of something that is structured. Over the years the Blazers have done a great job. Right now they are in a better place and they can compete,” he stated.

“I feel the time is right and glad to be part of something like this. The targets are high and the goal is to win the championship. We are going to season with respect for everyone but are hungry to win,” he concluded.

National Basketball League (NBL) side Namuwongo Blazers has bolstered its squad with four new signings ahead of the 2025 season.

At an event held at their home ground, ABJA Park in Nalya, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the Blazers unveiled Tonny Drileba, James Okello, Moses Mugisha, and Henry Ssebagala as their latest additions.

Drileba and Okello, who previously played for the City Oilers, left the team after the first round of the 2024 NBL campaign.

The duo then had stints with Burundi’s Tigers Basketball Club and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Chaux Sports before making their return to Uganda’s top league.

With a combined 21 NBL titles between them, Okello and Drileba, along with veteran Jimmy Enabu, have a lot to prove as they don the Nam Blazers’ jersey.

The 2025 NBL season is set to tip off on Wednesday, March 15, and excitement is already building within the basketball fraternity.

• FUBA Division One | Final Playoffs
• Nkumba Lady Marines 63-53 Our Savior Banyabo (1-0)
• Rezlife Saints 78-82 Victoria University (0-1)

Victory University Crocs registered an 82-78 victory over Rezlife Saints in game one of the FUBA Division One Playoff Finals at Lugogo Indoor Stadium on Wednesday night.

The clash was preceded by the women’s series opener the Nkumba Lady Marines dominated against Our Savior Banyabo.

The men’s game was electric, with Rezlife Saints taking the opening quarter 21-17 but Victoria University bounced back in the second quarter scoring 20 points while holding the Saints to 13.

On return from the locker rooms, it was back and forth with both offenses being very explosively productive. Rezlife edged the quarter 28-26 but Victoria University had a 2-point (63-61) lead.

In the final quarter of the game, the Victoria Crocs outmuscled the Saints 19-17 and ultimately registered a four-point (82-78) win.

Joseph Kumbai Ayol led Victoria University with a double-double of 19 points and 18 rebounds, Cyrus Wobusobozi added 14 points and Marier Nyong added 12 points.

Gideon Kasasa led the Saints with 15 points, Acinbaai Takpinyi Apugi had 12 points, Leonardo Gilabi contributed 11 and Richard Anyunva pulled down 11 rebounds in a losing effort.

The two teams will meet again in Game 2 on Friday, January 24 at YMCA.

The Gazelles’ head coach Nicholas Natuhereza is confident ahead of the FIBA Zone V Qualifiers set to happen in February.

The team started its preparations ahead of the upcoming tournament on Tuesday, January 22 at the Lugogo Indoor Arena.

Speaking about the new role, Natuhereza expressed confidence that the team has all it takes to claim a spot in the finals.

“This squad is stronger than the one that qualified us last season,” Natuhereza told the press.

“It’s always an honour to be given this opportunity to lead the Gazelles and represent the country on the bigger stage,” he added.

However, the gaffer will be out to clear his name having failed to guide the team to the finals as the head coach on the first attempt.

“I have been here before, and while we fell short last time when I was the head coach,” he said.

“I believe we have what it takes to secure qualification this time, building on what we achieved in Kigali at the previous Afrobasket,” he concluded.

Uganda senior women’s basketball head coach Nicholas Natuhereza has announced a 15-player squad ahead of the FUBA Zone V Qualifiers.

The selection has been positively received, blending experienced players with promising young talent.

Former JKL Lady Dolphins star Jamila Nansikombi, now based in the United States, makes a return to the team.

Captain Jane Asinde is set to lead the squad, supported by experienced players Claire Lamunu and Melissa Akullo.

Local talents Shakira Nanvubya, Perus Nyamwenge, Becky Longom, and Sharon Kirabo retain their places in the roster.

Rising stars Zoe Atek, Sarah Namale, and Maxine Anyango have also earned their spots on the senior team, reflecting the coaching staff’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Gazelles Full Squad
Jane Asinde, Hope Akello, Paige Robinson, Shakira Nanvubya, Perus Nyamwenge, Shilla Lamunu, Maxine Anyango, Jamilah Nansikombi, Agatha Kamwada, Zoe Atek, Sarah Namale, Melissa Akullo, Sharon Kirabo, Becky Longom, and Claire Lamunu.

Nicholas Natuhereza has been appointed as the new head coach of the Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team, the Gazelles, replacing Goran Lojo.

The announcement was confirmed through a statement released by FUBA (Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations) on Monday, January 20, 2024.

“Nicholas Natuhereza, the team’s former assistant coach, has been appointed as the new head coach,” the statement read in part.

Natuhereza succeeds Goran Lojo, who left the position to take on a new role with Great Britain. According to FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi, Natuhereza possesses the skills and experience needed to lead the team effectively.

“Nicholas Natuhereza will serve as the head coach for the Gazelles at the upcoming FIBA Zone V Qualifiers in Cairo, Egypt. We trust his experience and knowledge will guide the team to success,” Sserunjogi noted in the statement.

Natuhereza will be assisted by Julius Lutwama, while Ben Komakech has joined the technical team as a video analyst.

The Gazelles are set to commence their preparations on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, ahead of the continental qualifiers.

South Sudanese center Moses Maker has officially left National Basketball League (NBL) side City Oilers, the club has confirmed.

The reigning NBL champions announced his departure on Tuesday, January 14, via their official online platforms.

“For all that you’ve brought to this team—your hard work, dedication, and spirit will never be forgotten. Wishing you nothing but success in your next chapter,” the club’s statement read.

Maker has been a key player in City Oilers’ last three consecutive league titles.

During the 2024 campaign, he averaged 10 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, helping the team secure its 10th league championship.

As City Oilers prepare for the 2025 season, the club is expected to make adjustments to its roster in pursuit of an 11th league title.

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.