Uganda has started its journey to the 2027 ICC Men’s World Cup with a resounding 7-wicket win over Singapore at Entebbe Cricket Oval.

The first game of Challenge League B, originally scheduled for Lugogo but moved to Entebbe, saw Singapore win the toss and elect to bat.

The openers for Singapore, Aman Desai (19) and Aritra Dutta, played slow and cautiously lasting through the power play before Dinesh Nakrani dismissed the former.

Dutta (26) could only last until the 16th over before he was bowled by Nakrani who had a man-of-the-match performance in which he got six sculps. From that point, Singapore could not hold as they were eventually cleaned out for 82 with only Rohan Rangarajan (14) getting to double figures.

Nakrani’s six-wicket haul was supported by Juma Miyagi (2/20), Henry Ssenyondo (1/12) and Alpesh Ramjan (1/90.

In the run chase, Uganda lost Ragav Dhawan in the first over but his opening partner Robinson Obuya (19) played on alongside Shrideep Mangela (14) before their departure paved the way for Kenneth Waiswa (26) and captain Riaza Shah (24) to knock off the deficit inside 18 Overs.

It’s a morale-boosting win for Cranes who return to action on Saturday to take on Tanzania at Lugogo Oval.

Dismas Indiza topped the opening round at the 2024 Stanbic Entebbe Golf Pro Open on Wednesday, October 20.

After the opening 18 holes, the long-hitting Kenyan returned to the clubhouse one-under 70.

Indiza’s scorecard had 5 birdies (on holes 7, 9, 11, 15 and 18), 9 pars (recorded on 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 13 and 14) and 4 bogies that came on the back nine at10, 12, 16 and the challenging hole17.

Three golfers were tied in second place on a course level (71) that is Grace Kasango, Silver Opio and another Kenyan Jastas Madoya.

Meanwhile, James Koto, David Kamulindwa, Phillip Kasozi and Saidi Mawa played 1-over 72. Last year’s winner Tadeo Rodell Gaita and Robinson Owiti played 2-over 73 after 18 holes.

It remains a competitive field going into day two of action on Thursday, 31^st October 2024.

Uganda’s final squad for the Fast 5 World Netball Series has been named.

The She Cranes return to the tournament, which is scheduled for November 9-10 in Christchurch, New Zealand, after missing last year’s edition.

Three foreign-based players; Maary Cholhok, Faridah Kadondi and Hanisha Muhameed, have been named on the team. However, Muhameed has been in the country and training with the team for the past couple of weeks.

Skipper Irene Eyaru, midcourt star Margret Baagala, Christine Namulumba, and shooter Shadiah Nassanga who has been in fine form are joined by Christine Nakitto, Sandra Nambirige and Joyce Nakibuule to complete the squad.

At their last appearance in 2022, the She Cranes beat Jamaica (twice) and Australia and finished 5th.

• Margret Baagala
• Christine Nakitto
• Mary Cholhok
• Joyce Nakibuule
• Irene Eyaru
• Sandra Nambirige
• Hanisha Muhameed
• Christine Namulumba
• Falidah Kadondi
• Shadiah Nassanga

Match Summary

• Bahrain 89/10
• Uganda 93/2
• Uganda won by 8 wickets

Cricket Cranes registered a convincing 8-wicket win over Bahrain in their second T20i meeting on Tuesday at Jinja Oval.

The Ugandans were bouncing back from defeat on the previous day in a game that was reduced to 11 Overs due to morning rain.

In the second game, Bahrain won the toss and sent their hosts to the field. However, Uganda’s pacers were clinical with their line and length as Cosmas Kyewuta (3/12) and Juma Miyagi (3/18) picked six of the sculps.

Bahrain’s captain Haider Ali (54) was a lone ranger with only Ahmer Bin Nasir (11) getting to double figures as the side was bundled out for 89.

The chase took Cricket Cranes just 15 overs as Robinson Obuya got stuck in with an unbeaten 28 and found support from Raghav Dhawan (21) and Shrideep Mangela (30).

The two sides will meet again on Thursday in a one-off 50-over game before the Challenge League B tournament that starts next week.

NVL 2024-25 | Results

• Nemostars 2-3 Sport-S
• (31-29, 25-19,21-25,12-25, 09-15)

In a thrilling display of volleyball, Sport-S mounted a remarkable comeback to defeat Nemostars 3-2 in the National Volleyball League at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday.

After falling behind 2-0, Sport-S dug deep and showcased incredible resilience to clinch the victory.

Nemostars took the first two sets, winning 31-29 and 25-19, respectively.

However, Sport-S refused to give up. They fought back to win the third set 25-2 and then dominated the fourth set 25-12 to level the match.

The decisive fifth set was a nail-biting affair, with both teams trading points. Ultimately, Sport-S emerged victorious, winning 15-9.

It was a perfect revenge for Sport-S, who lost 3-1 to Nemostars in National Club’s Championship at Old Kampala Arena in September.

This stunning comeback victory highlights the incredible talent and determination of the Sport-S team.

Cricket Cranes squad to compete in the crucial ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B set to take place at Lugogo and Entebbe Oval from November 4-16 has been announced.

Riazat Ali Shah has been appointed captain of the team for the tournament. He steps into the leadership role after serving as vice-captain to Brian Masaba who led Uganda in the ICC Men’s World Cup in the West Indies and the USA but stepped down after the event.

“It is not going to be a challenging job for me. Everyone on this team knows their role and strives to execute it. The captaincy is an additional responsibility, but we are all working toward the same goal—achieving One Day International (ODI) status,” said Ali Sha, who has been a member of the national team for seven years.

Pascal Murungi, a former U-19 captain, returns to the side after a stellar stint in Zimbabwe. Shrideep Mangela and Raghav Dhawan, both of whom played in the series against Papua New Guinea, have been included in the squad and are set for their international debut for Uganda.

The Challenge League B tournament is a pathway to the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup which will be hosted in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

The Cricket Cranes will have a final three-match warm-up series against Bahrain in Jinja before the tournament begins.

Full Squad

1. Raghav Dhawan
2. ⁠Juma Miyagi
3. ⁠Brian Masaba
4. ⁠Shrideep Mangela
5. ⁠Fred Achelam
6. ⁠Kenneth Waiswa
7. ⁠Alpesh Ramjani
8. ⁠Pascal Murungi
9. ⁠Henry Ssenyondo
10. ⁠Riazat Ali Shah
11. ⁠Frank Nsubuga
12. ⁠Cosmas Kyewuta
13. Robinson Obuya
14. ⁠Dinesh Nakrani

Reserves

1. Joseph Baguma
2. Cyrus Kakuru

Uganda’s Fixtures

• November 6: Uganda vs. Singapore – Lugogo
• November 9: Uganda vs. Tanzania – Lugogo
• November 10: Uganda vs. Hong Kong – Lugogo
• November 13: Uganda vs. Italy – Entebbe
• November 16: Uganda vs. Bahrain – Entebbe

The Uganda Rugby Union has announced the groups for the fourth coming Uganda Cup, the first competition of the 2024/26 Rugby Season.

The tournament is set to start on November 23 and run until early next year on January 18.

Lower-division upcountry teams will host top-league sides during the group phase of the competition.

MEN’S GROUPS

Pool A

1. Heathens
2. Rhinos
3. Kyambogo
4. Walukuba
5. Tooro Lions

Pool B

1. Rams
2. Pirates
3. Eagles
4. Elgon Wolves
5. Kitgum Lions

Pool C

1. Mongers
2. Impis
3. Victoria Sharks
4. Hippos
5. Gulu City Falcons

Pool D

1. KOBs
2. Warriors
3. Buffaloes
4. Njeru Hurricanes
5. Kigezi Silverbacks

WOMEN

Pool A

1. Nile Rapids
2. Walukuba Titans
3. Thunderbirds
4. Panthers
5. Kigezi Queens

Pool B

1. Avengers
2. She Wolves
3. Black Pearls
4. Ewes
5. Kitgum Queens

National Volleyball League – 2024/25

• Sky VC 1-3 UCU Doves VC

UCU Doves Volleyball Club won 3-1 against Sky Volleyball Club in the National Volleyball League at Nsambya on Sunday evening.

The Mukono-based side increased with an impressive run securing their third straight victory after losing their opening game in the campaign.

The Doves got out of their blocks early and won the first set 25-20. This gave them the right momentum that guided them throughout the game. 

The Doves kept on the front foot and extended their lead with a 25-19 lead in the second set. This engineered a thrilling third set because Sky had to restore parity badly.

In the third set, Sky fought from 13-19 down to go on and secure a 25-21 victory. Sky pulled one back thus igniting hope in the drowning side.

However, the Doves regained their winning touch as they ran over Sky in the fourth set 25-14.

The Doves’ setter Hussein Adone thanked the boys for the hard work but urged them to keep fighting towards improving.

“I am happy that we have maintained the winning run. It’s not easy but the boys have worked hard and I commend their input,” he said.

“But as a team, we should remain hungry and not allow complacency to take root in our minds. The league is a marathon, so every game is equally important, and we must continue to work towards improvement,” he concluded.

The Doves return to action on Saturday, October 26 as they host KCCA while Sky will take Elyon the following day.

Nicholas Kebba emerged as the overall winner of the October MTN Monthly Tee at Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday.

Playing off handicap 15, Kebba returned to the clubhouse with a nett score of 68, edging Robert Ejiku in the one-day tournament on countback.

Playing off handicap 9, Richard Oloka won the Men’s Group with 69 nett and Joseph Galiwango took the runners-up spot with 72.

Ejiku topped Group Bwith James O’Sullivan taking second place with 70 nett.

Raymond Ekwamu returned 69 nett to win the Men’s Group C while Mathiass Kalule’s 70 nett was good enough for second place. Ekwamu’s 69 takes him to the top of the Order Of Merit with his best 8 rounds totaling 576.

Esther Aganyira scored 71 nett to win the ladies category while Rital Apel took second place.

The next MTTN Monthly Tee will take place on November 23 with the Grand Tee of Tees scheduled for December 14.

Ugandan long-distance runner Joshua Cheptegei won the Delhi Half Marathon 2024 men’s elite title.

Cheptegei who retired from the track after claiming the 10000m Olympic title clocked 59:46 to finish ahead of Kenyan duo Alex Matata (59:53) and Nicholas Kipkorir (59:59).

It’s the first half-marathon win for Cheptegei and he termed it as special.

“This win in Delhi was special to me because it is my first-ever victory in a half marathon,” said Cheptegei. “India has been important for my career and this country now means a lot to me. I felt good throughout the race despite the slow start,” he added.

Matata led for most of the race alongside compatriot Kipkorir with Cheptegei running just behind the two. The Ugandan, however, made a decisive move in the final stretch to secure the win.

“My first aim was to catch up with Nicholas [Kipkorir] and then Alex [Matata] in the final few kilometres of the race. I am delighted with my performance and hope to continue in the same manner in the future races,” Cheptegei said.

With victory, Cheptegei takes home a cash prize of $27,000.