Uganda Rugby Cranes edged Burkina Faso 25-15 at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole to qualify for the 5th-place final.

The Rugby Cranes had a shaky start and Burkina Faso scored first with Yamaeco Zana Claude grounding in the sixth minute.

Utility back Philip Wokorach put Uganda on the board with a penalty before Shakim Ssembuusi completed a good backline move to score Rugby Cranes’ first try.

Wokorach would stretch over to create some more separation before slightly skewing the conversion.

Scrumhalf Bationo Bognomo scratched and dived over to bring the score 10-15 at the break.

At the start of the second half, the Rugby Cranes camped in the opponents’ red zone forcing the Burkinabes to commit several infringements that led to the referee awarding Uganda a penalty try.

Burkina Faso went hunting again and they were rewarded with a try from Zebango Kiswendsida who was at the end of a sweet move from a clean lineout take inside Uganda’s 22.

Wokorach extended the lead with a penalty with about 15 minutes to play and that was the last score of the game.

The Rugby Cranes will take on Senegal on Sunday in the 5th Place Final.

Uganda Rugby Cranes will be looking to make amends when they take on Burkina Faso in a classification game of the Rugby Africa Cup.

Rugby Cranes are now playing for the highest possible fifth-place finish which can only be achieved by winning their next two matches starting with Burkina Faso on Wednesday afternoon.

The 23-man squad for the game was named after the captain’s run on Tuesday afternoon with two changes made to the starting 15. Alex Aturinda and Joseph Aredo will start in place of Moses Zziwa and Jones Kamiza who sustained their injuries in the quarterfinal loss against Zimbabwe Sables on Saturday.

The coaches went with a 6-2 bench split again and utility back Pool Kalungi is in line to make his debut off the bench with Joseph Oyet the other back named on the bench.

Uganda Rugby Cranes vs Burkina Faso

Starting XV

1. Santos Senteza
2. Faragi Odugo
3. Asuman Mugerwa
4. Charles Uhuru
5. Eliphaz Emong
6. Sydney Gongodyo
7. Bryon Oketayot
8. Alex Aturinda
9. Conrad Wanyama
10. Ivan Magomu
11. Timothy Kisiga
12. Joseph Aredo
13. Innocent Gwokto
14. Shakim Ssembusi
15. Philip Wokorach

Substitutes

1. Nathan Bwambale
2. Mike Otto
3. Saul Kivumbi
4. Robert Aziku
5. Mark Omoding
6. Brian Wandera
7. Pool Kalungi
8. Joseph Oyet

• Result: Ireland 56-71 Uganda

The Uganda Women’s National Basketball Team, the Gazelles, registered a 71-56 victory against Ireland in a friendly game in Germany on Monday night.

This marked the Gazelles’ second win against Ireland, following an 82-69 triumph at the same arena the previous night.

In contrast to the first game, the Gazelles started strongly, establishing an eight-point lead (26-18) at the end of the first quarter.

Under the leadership of Goran Lojo, the team maintained their momentum, extending their lead to 16 points (43-27) by halftime.

After returning from the locker rooms, the Gazelles continued their dominance, securing a 21-point advantage (60-39) by the end of the third quarter.

Despite a strong effort from Ireland in the final quarter, the Gazelles maintained a 15-point lead to secure a well-deserved victory.

The Gazelles’ captain Jane Asinde put in an exceptional performance, achieving a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Paige Robinson showcased her offensive prowess, scoring 23 points while Lydia Babirye contributed 10 points.

On the other hand, Claire Melja and Aine O’Connor each scored 11 points for Ireland.

Uganda will continue with their preparations for the FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers that are slated for early next year.

Gazelles registered a well-deserved 82-69 victory against Ireland in a practice game during an ongoing training camp in Germany.

Uganda started slow trailing by eight points at the end of the first quarter, but at the end of the showpiece, the Gazelles had secured a 39-point victory.

While speaking to the media shortly after the game, Lydia Babirye revealed that they started slow but eventually found their rhythm before sealing off the game.

“We started off really slow in the first quarter. It was just starting to get together and play the game, but in the second quarter, we came off really strong,” Lydia stated.

“Starting with the second quarter, everybody was playing for the team, and we made our shots, I am glad that managed to fight back and get the victory,” she added.

“We minimised a lot of fouls because I personally had three fouls in the first half. But then we played well, we rebounded and finished most of our chances, unlike in the first half.”

Babirye concluded by noting that the victory in the first game gave the team a huge boost of confidence to play a better game in the next fixture.

“This game gives us great confidence, a great fight to come back and put up yet another fight. If we play as a team and follow what the coach tells us, we shall secure yet another victory,” she concluded.

Paige Robinson (26 points), Jane Asinde (20 points), and Leslie Vorphal (10 points) scored in double digits for the Gazelles.

Morgan Otile returned to the clubhouse with the best score to emerge the overall winner of the July MTN Monthly Tees at Entebbe Golf Club on Saturday.

Playing off handicap 18, Otile recorded a nett score of 64 to end a long spell without a major win to his name.

Paul Kalemba (68nett) settled for the Group A accolade with Peter Apell (70 nett) finishing second.

Dan Kajungu (70 nett) edged Group B with a one-stroke victory over Andrew Atuhaire while Group C was even closer as Picole Lukyamuzi edged Ronald Gayiya on countback after they bother returned 68nett.

In the ladies’ category, last year’s overall winner Bridget Basiima returned to the podium having carded 72 nett to claim Group A as Rita Apell’s 74 was enough for a second-place finish.

Peris Venessa and Charity Tushabomwe were the top players in the Ladies’ Group B.

MTN MONTHLY TEE | JULY 2024 TOP PERFORMERS

OVERALL WINNER
Otile Morgan h/c 18 – 64 nett

MEN

WINNER GROUP A MEN
Kalemba Paul h/c 9 – 68 nett

RUNNER UP
Peter Apell h/c 9 – 70 nett

WINNER GROUP B MEN
Dan Kajungu h/c 18 – 70 nett

RUNNER UP
Atuhaire Andrew h/c 14 – 71 nett c/b

WINNER GROUP C MEN
Lukyamuzi Picole h/c 22 – 68 nett c/b

RUNNER UP
Ronald Gayiya h/c 26 – 68 nett

WINNER SENIORS 55+
Mucunguzi Richard h/c 18 – 73 nett

WINNER GUESTS
Kaowen Ou h/c 21 – 63 nett

LADIES

WINNER GROUP A
Basiima Bridget h/c 13 – 72 nett

RUNNER UP
Rita Apell h/c 15 – 74 nett

WINNER GROUP B
Venessa Peris h/c 19 – 69 nett

RUNNER UP
Tushabomwe Charity h/c 27 – 72 nett c/b

MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited and the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) have announced a partnership to give fans a cashless and seamless Rugby Africa Cup experience.

The partnership was announced on Monday at Mandela National Stadium – Namboole, the host venue for the Africa Cup, graced by officials from URU and MTN MoMo.

As part of the partnership, tickets to access matches have been discounted when purchased using MTN MoMo.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Uganda Rugby Union for the Rugby Africa Cup 2024. By offering exclusive discounts and seamless ticket purchasing through the MoMo App, we aim to provide rugby fans with an unparalleled experience,” said Alex Wekoye, the Chief Commercial Officer of MTN MoMo.

It's #RugbyAfricaCup2024 week! 🏉

Let's rally behind our boys! 🇺🇬 Get your discounted ticket(s) now on the MoMo App 👉🏽 https://t.co/dLOn2LqqP5 or dial *165*20# and let's fill the stadiums with energy! #BuyTicketsWithMoMo pic.twitter.com/4HqsDIL9p8

— MoMo from MTN Uganda (@mtnmomoug) July 15, 2024

The discounts will extend even to beverages and national team merchandise sold during the tournament.

“Most important for us is that we want to give [a good] experience to fans out there. We want to digitize the experience around the way they pay to watch matches and also buy merchandise whether it’s a jersey or they just want to buy a beverage.

“We will also enhance connectivity around the venues so that fans around there can enjoy social moments whether it’s taking pictures, videos and socializing with their communities quite easily,” Wekoye added.

Uganda Rugby Union CEO Isaac Lutwama said the partnership is only the first step for bigger things to come.

“This [partnership] is only but the first step, we are looking at growing it into other competitions of the union. We are looking at co-creating a really vibrant and viable partnership between Uganda Rugby Union and MTN MoMo,” Lutwama said.

Eight countries Burkina Faso, Namibia, Senegal, Kenya, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Zimbabwe, and Uganda, the host nation, will compete in the tournament which is the first phase of the Rugby World Cup Qualifiers.

The 2024 Olympic Games will take centre stage from July 27 to August 11 in the French capital Paris and other cities.

Multiple world champion and Olympic 5000m gold medalist Joshua Cheptegei was appointed the captain of Team Uganda and leads the country’s cast of athletes who will compete at the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad.

Uganda’s team is comprised of 25 athletes who will be competing in track and road events, swimming, cycling and rowing.

There are 12 first-time Olympians in Uganda’s team including rising sprinter Tarsis Orogot, swimmers Gloria Muzito and Jesse Ssengozi, marathoners Rebbecca Cheptegei, Victor Kiplangat and Andrew Rotich Kwemoi, cyclist Charles Kagimu, long-distance runners Belinda Chemutai, Annet Chelangat, Joy Cheptoyek, and Martin Kiprotich, and steeplechaser Leonard Chemutai.

Cheptegei, a gold medalist at the last Olympics, will lead Uganda’s medal hunt along with Jacob Kiplimo, who will compete in 5000m & 10000m.

Kiplangat has been in fine form on the road over the past couple of years winning the marathon gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and last year’s world championships. He, too, holds Uganda’s medal hopes.

Peruth Chemutai, a gold medalist in Tokyo, will be looking to defend her crown in the women’s 3000m steeplechase. Chemutai has run a world-leading time in the event this season and will fancy her chances in Paris.

Uganda 2024 Olympics Team

ATHLETICS

MEN

1. Tarsis Gracious Orogot 200m
2. Tom Dradriga – 800m
3. Jacob Kiplimo – 5000m &10000m
4. Joshua Cheptegei – 5000m &10000m
5. Oscar Chelimo – 5000m
6. Martin Magengo Kiprotich – 10000m
7. Leonard Chemutai- 3000m Steeplechase 
8. Victor Kiplangat – Marathon 
9. Stephen Kissa – Marathon 
10. Andrew Rotich Kwemoi – Marathon

WOMEN

1. Halimah Nakaayi – 800m
2. Winnie Nanyondo – 1500m
3. Joy Cheptoyek – 5000m &10000m
4. Esther Chebet – 5000m
5. Belinda Chemutai  – 5000m 
6. Sarah Chelangat – 10000m
7. Annet Chemengich Chelangat – 10000m
8. Peruth Chemutai – 3000m Steeplechase 
9. Stella Chesang – Marathon 
10. Mercyline Chelangat – Marathon 
11. Rebecca Cheptegei –  Marathon 

SWIMMING

1. Gloria Muzito – 100m Freestyle 
2. Jesse Ssengonzi – 100m Butterfly 

CYCLING

1. Charles Kagimu – Men’s Road Race

ROWING

1. Kathleen Grace Noble – Single Scull Rowing

KIU Rangers are through to the semifinals of the National Basketball League Playoffs.

Last year’s finalist swept aside Miracle Ravens following a 68-51 win in Game 2 played at YMCA on Saturday afternoon.

Julius Lutwama’s charges led the opening quarter 13-8 but by halftime, they were up by 11 (31-20) and the writing was on the wall.

Despite competing under the sun and winning the third quarter 20-19, the Ravens were in a hole so deep and ran out of steam playing catch up as they were limited to 11 fourth-quarter points and ultimately knocked out.

Susan Amito (16 points, 10 rebounds), Winfred Akello (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Hanifah Namuli (10 points) notched double-digit scores for the Ravens in a losing effort.

On the other end, Mary Amaniyo matched a game-high 16 points and pulled down as many rebounds to lead the surge for KIU. Sharon Kirabo (15), Ines Kanyamunza (14) and Rachael Nanyonga (10) came in handy.

Rangers now await the series winner between UCU Lady Canons and Magic Stormers. Lady Canons lead the series 1-0 following their narrow win on Saturday.

Uganda Women’s National Basketball team, Gazelles, will embark on a historic high-performance training camp in Frankfurt, Germany.

The training camp will run from 15th to 25th July 2024 at the invitation of FC Nottingen which runs a basketball franchise named Rutronik Stars Keltern that competes in the Women’s Basketball Bundesliga, the premier club league in Germany.

Organized by the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), the camp is aimed at preparing the team ahead of the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers set for February next year.

The Gazelles will have practice sessions and also play three scrimmage games.

• Gazelles Vs MTV Stuttgart – 19th July, 2024
• Gazelles Vs Republic of Ireland – 21st July, 2024
• Gazelles Vs Republic of Ireland – 22nd July, 2024

The Team

There are fresh members on the team including former Tulane University point guard Leslie Vorpahl and  Herner TC guard Paige Robinson out of Illinois State University.

Becky Longom who has been sensational for the National Basketball League champions JKL Lady Dolphins makes the trip.

Head Coach Goran Lojo will over see the camp assisted by Nick Natuhereza and Julius Lutwama.

Full Squad: Lydia Babirye, Priscilla Abby, Janon Otto, Hope Akello, Shakira Nanvubya, Mary Amaniyo, Sharon Kirabo, Becky Longom, Jane Asinde, Sheila Lamunu, Bridget Aber, Peruth Nyamwenge, Leslie Vorpahl and Paige Robinson.

NBL Playoffs | Wednesday Result

• KIU Rangers 80-47 Miracle Ravens (Rangers lead series 1-0)
• Nam Blazers 73-61 Our Saviour (Blazers lead series 1-0)

Nam Blazers used a strong fourth-quarter effort to edge Our Saviour, 73-61, in Game One of the National Basketball League Playoff Quarterfinals on Friday night at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

Our Savior matched the Blazers pound-for-pound through the first three quarters before running out of steam in the ultimate period.

Going into the last quarter, Namuwongo trailed by a couple of points but put on a 13-0 run and took command of the game in the most important time.

Combo guard Jimmy Williams led the way for Namuwoongo with a game-high 20 points with Innocent Ochera (17) and Joseph Chuma (12) coming in handy.

Henry Ssebagala and Joseph Wacha led Our Savior’s fight with 18 and 12 points respectively.

Game Two of the series will be played next week on Wednesday, July 17.