National Basketball League

• Magic Stormers 59-49 A1 Challenge

Magic Stormers registered yet another spirited victory against the on-form A1 Challenge in a 59-49 National Basketball League victory at YMCA Court.

A1 Challenge had beaten Nkumba Marines (62-56), Nabisunsa Girls (53-49) and Kampala University (75-32) but the winning streak could not live past the Magic Stormers.

The victory took the Magic Stormers to the second position on the ladies’ NBL log.

Auma Angella scored a game-high of 17 points having played only 23 minutes. She later added one rebound and three assists to ensure her side go back home victorious.

At the end of the first stanza, A1 Challenge was ahead of the Stormers with a 15-7 lead.

But John Omondi’s coached side bounced back to post a 20-7 run hence going to the resting rooms with a five-point lead (27-22).

After recess, A1 Challenge regained the mojo and poured in 21 points limiting the Stormers to only 12 however in the final quarter the tables drastically turned.

It was a 20-6 run in favour of the Stormers hence fighting from down to complete a sweet double against A1 Challenge.

National Basketball League

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Men

• Our Saviour 66-73 Power

Women

• Magic Stomers 59-49 A1 Challenge

Power completed a double against Our Saviour in the National Basketball League after a 73-66 victory at the YMCA Court on Wednesday evening.

In the first leg, Power went past Our Saviour in a 63-55 win. However, it was their maiden victory in the second round.

After falling to Namuwongo Blazers in the opener of the second round, Power came all out to get back to winning ways.

Power’s new signing Ozias Kikomba put up yet another great show pouring in 17 points and 12 rebounds. He was also elected as the man of the match.

The other new entrant in Kevin Ogunjimi made his debut for Power feeling and getting acclimatised to the court for only five minutes.

Power’s skipper turned up like a true leader as he scored a game-high of 22 points and added 10 rebounds to seal off a double-double as his side won the right game.

Power had a great start to the game with a 24-14 lead after the first quarter but was edged in the second and third (17-16) and (17-14) respectively.

Before they won the last quarter by a point to post 19-18. Our Saviour will feel undone as they looked the better side on the attack but their execution was so poor.

Power will return to action as they take on Ndejje University Angels on Friday at their most preferred ground YMCA in Wandegeya.

Friday, June 30, 2023 | Fixture

Men

• Ndejje Angels vs Power
• UCU Canons vs KIU Titans

Fort Portal City was abuzz with excitement as the MTN Tooro Kingdom Masaza Bicycle Races took centre stage, leaving city dwellers yearning for more thrilling sporting events.

The races not only showcased the talents of local riders but also ignited a call to youth to embrace constructive activities and make the most of their free time through sports.

Here are some of the pictures from the events;

Fort Portal City was abuzz with excitement as the MTN Tooro Kingdom Masaza Bicycle Races took centre stage, leaving city dwellers yearning for more thrilling sporting events.

The races not only showcased the talents of local riders but also ignited a call to youth to embrace constructive activities and make the most of their free time through sports.

The event brought the bustling city to a standstill, with over 1000 enthusiastic spectators flooding the streets to cheer on their favourite riders.

A total of 98 riders were flagged off from Mogas- Kitumba, embarking on a challenging route that led them along the Fort Portal – Kampala highway, through Njara, police barracks, Mpanga Market, City Center, and then onwards to Bundibugyo Road, Kisenyi, Kicwamba Kihondo Market, before finally returning to Fuelex.

Among the 98 riders, 68 opted for ordinary bicycles, while 30 rode sleek sports bikes, showcasing their diverse skills and determination.

The winners in the ordinary bicycle category included Ayebale Stephen, Mugisa Adolf, Mugisa Abdulatif, Akora Vincent, and Isingoma Robert. In the sports bicycle category, the victors were Seemu David, Asiimwe Peter, Kaijuka Amon, Tumusiime Wilbert, and Tusiime Simon.

These talented riders expressed their gratitude to Tooro Kingdom for organizing the Masaza Races and to MTN for sponsoring the growth of their talents.

Ayebare Stephen, a boda rider from Gweri in Fort Portal city, emerged as the winner among ordinary bicycle racers. Reflecting on the competition, Ayebare noted, “This year’s races have been more competitive compared to the previous ones, which calls for more training.”

He credited the motivation provided by MTN’s support, highlighting how their involvement has inspired a significant increase in participation.

Ayebare, who earned approximately 3 million Ugandan shillings in last year’s races, disclosed his intention to save the money from MTN along with his earnings to purchase his own motorcycle.

Meanwhile, Seemu David, the victorious sports bike rider, attributed his success to the rigorous training provided by their sports team, which had received support from the Kingdom.

Expressing gratitude, Seemu remarked, “We are glad that we are actually able to earn from our talents. I appeal to the youth out there to utilize their free time for pay, for instance, they could join any training team that will help them realize their sports talents instead of wasting time on things that are not constructive.”

The only female participant, Rose Mary Kabahenda, shared her passion for cycling, which she developed during her time in Kenya.

While she did not secure a top-five position among the ordinary bikers, Kabahenda received public sympathy, with donations amounting to approximately 150,000 Ugandan shillings. She encouraged
other women to consider cycling for physical fitness and enjoyment.

Hon. Micheal Wandera, the Tooro Kingdom Minister of Sports, expressed gratitude to the population of Fort Portal city for their overwhelming support and attendance.

Their enthusiastic presence contributed to the success of the event and highlighted the city strong connection to the Kingdom.

The thrilling bicycle races in Fort Portal City not only provided a captivating spectacle but also left a lasting impact on the participants and spectators alike.

As the city yearns for more adrenaline-pumping sporting events, the call for youth to embrace constructive activities and explore their talents through sports becomes even more significant.

Uganda Silverback guard Adam Seiko has signed for Golden State Warriors ahead of the summer league.

Seiko’s thrilling shooting prowess greatly attracted the Golden State Warriors who emphasise the three-point effort.

The 25-year-old is gifted with the ability to pour in points outside the paint and as well as defend the D with his athleticism.

His current assignment will be showcasing what he is capable of in the 2023 summer league in Las Vegas.

The league is put in place to set the stage for youthful players to grow their talents so that they fight for spots in the roaster of the upcoming campaign.

If Seiko makes it to the NBA, he will join Ishmael Wainwright who is already playing Phoenix Suns.

In the aforementioned championship, the Golden State Warriors will take on the Pelicans, Mavericks, Lakers and Rockets.

National Basketball League

Sunday, June 26, 2023

Men

• Our Savior 66-67 UCU Canons
• Nam Blazers 62-49 UPDF Tomahawks

Women

• JT Lady Jaguars 70-29 Nabisunsa Girls

UCU Canons register a 67-66 narrow victory against Our Saviour in the National Basketball League at the KIU Court, Kasanga on Sunday evening.

It was a hard-fought win for the Mukono-based side that was out on the floor without their tactician Nicholas Natuhereza who is out of the country on national duty.

Our Saviour started on a slow pouring in only nine points while the Canons managed 15 to take an early lead.

At half-time, the Canons were holding onto an eight-point lead ahead of Our Savior in what seemed to be a closely contested game.

Coming from the resting rooms, Our Saviour came back a better side in the third quarter posting 23 points and limiting the Canons to only 13.

Our Saviour benefited from the bench that gave them over 48 points while the Canons’ bench only collected 19 points.

The man of the match Peter Sifuma managed a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds to give the Canons a victory.

UCU Canons CEO Sam Lukaire expressed his joy noting it was a heated duel and he is glad the boys fought till the end.

“The boys had taken long without playing but am glad they kept fighting. It was a very tight game but we managed to pick a win and we shall build from there in the next game,“ Lukaire told MTN Sports.

The victory means their score is (9-4) this going second on the log.

Next on the fixture, UCU Canons take on KIU Titans while Our Savoir will play against Power.

The MTN Tee of Tees took centre stage on Saturday, 24th June at Entebbe Golf Club with over 175 golfers taking the 18-hole course.

This was the third event since MTN Uganda officially took over the Monthly Tees at Entebbe Club, the oldest golf facility in East Africa.

The event was spiced up by CFAO Motors who staked a brand new Toyota Corolla Cross for a hole-in-one at Hole 10.

By the close of business, Raymond Ekwamu and Annet Nakiyaga were the overall and ladies winners respectively.

Ekwamu, playing off handcap 27, returned a nett score of 68 to top a large field. He played 50 on the back nine and 45 in the front.

Meanwhile, Nakiyaga who has been knocking on the door finally crashed it as she scored 67 nett to top the ladies’ category. Nakiyaga was five strokes ahead of Ritah Apell Akot who returned to the podium again having finished in the same position at the April tournament.

Other Top Performers

Samson Agamile won Group A with a 1-under 70 nett score with Andrew Baguma taking the runners-up spot with 72.

James O’Sullivan edged Adoch Luwum on countback to take top honours in Group B while Club chairman Jacob Byamukaama topped Group C with a course par score and Charles Kabunga was a stroke behind to settle for second place.

Isaac Mariera scored 72 to win the seniors category.

Top Performers

Overall Gross Winner: Raymond Ekwamu – 68

Group A
Winner: Samson Agamile – 70
Runners up: Andrew Baguma – 72 c/b

Group B
Winner: James O’Sullivan – 70 c/b
Runners up: Adoch Luwum – 70

Group C
Winner: Jacob Byamukama – 71
Runners up: Charles Kabunga – 72

Ladies
Winner: Annet Nakiyaga – 67
Runners up: Ritah Apell – 72

Seniors Winner: Isaac Mariera – 72

Guest Winner: Samson Akankiza (Uganda Golf Club) – 66

Saturday, June 24, 203

National Basketball League

• JT Lady Jaguars 74-31 Lady Marines

JT Lady Jaguars whitewashed Nkumba Lady Marines in a 74-31 victory in the National Basketball League at the KIU Basketball Court, Kasanga on Saturday morning.

After falling to the JKL Lady Dolphins in the second-round opener, Sudi Ulanga’s troops picked their second victory in the three games played so far.

Right after beating Kampala University Ladies, the raid was switched as the Jaguars took their wrath to the Marines of Nkumba.

Sarah Ageno led the party carding a double-double as she bagged 15 points and 10 rebounds to continue with her impressive run that has lifted the Jaguars.

Angella Zainah Lokwameri led the scoring chart dropping 18 points and assisting six times to sink the Marines further in sorrow.

The Lady Jaguars were ruthless as they registered a 36-13 lead going into the break.

The Marines came from the resting rooms pumped up pouring in 14 points in the third quarter but were limited to only four in the final quarter.

The victory meant it was their 11th win in 14 games why the Marines suffered their 13th loss in as many games played.

National Basketball League

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Women

• JT Lady Jaguars 74-31 Nkumba Lady Marines
• A1 Challenge 75-32 KU Ladies
• Miracle 51-35 Magic Stormers

Men

• Kampala Rockets 45-58 City Oilers

Titus Lual Odeke’s double-double inspired City Oilers past the Kampala Rockets to seal off the 13th straight win in the National Basketball League.

City Oilers registered a 58-45 win against the league newbies at KIU on Saturday evening extending their season record to 13-0.

Lual, who also doubled as the player of the game, scored 14 points, picked 13 rebounds and made two assists.

Youngster Allawi Ssenkuge also hit a double-figure scoring with a season-high of 14 points and four rebounds with limited time on the court.

However much the two sides differed in talent and quality, both sides played a slow and less enthusiastic game hence yielding a small score, unlike the ladies’ games that had been played earlier.

At half-time, City Oilers hhad a 37-28 lead.

After recess, the two sides returned even colder playing to a very low-scoring quarter where Kampala Rockets scored only six points while the Oilers managed 12.

The Rockets won the last quarter 11-9 but it was too little too late as the eight-time champions had already made the damage.

The victory keeps Mandy Juruni’s troops glued on the summit of the log.

In their next fixtures, City Oilers play KCCA Panthers while Kampala Rockets take on UPDF Tomahawks.

Team Uganda management has named a team of 19 ladies to kick-start preparations ahead of the FIBA Afrobasket finals.

The provisional squad is made up of 10 locally based players and the other nine are based outside the boundaries.

The selected 10 that play in the National Basketball League are the same that took part in the Zone V Championship that was played in February earlier this year.

JKL takes the biggest portion of the cake with six players namely Rita Imanishimwe, Flavia Oketcho, Brenda Ekone, Evelyne Nakiyingi and Hope Akello.

Bridget Aber, Shakira Nanvubya and Sheila Lamunu of UCU take up the other spots while Sarah Ageno of JT Lady Jaguars takes the last spot of the home-based players.

The foreign-based players are led by Janon Otto and Maria Najjuma who return to the squad after a thrilling show in the Zone V Championships.

Jamila Nansikombi, Lydia Babirye, Mellisa Akullu, and Jane Asinde will also bring their experience from College basketball to fight and take up slots onto the final sheet.

The technical team has remained intact. Alberto Atuna will be the head coach assisted by Nicholas Natuhereza and Mavita Ali.

Vicky Ntale (Team Manager), Vincent Etyang (Team Doctor) and Juan Ferreira (Video Coordinator) will beef up the backroom staff.

The preparations ahead of the grand stage will kick start on Sunday, July 2 with sessions at Lugogo Indoor Stadium and Africa Bible University, Lubowa.

On July 15, 2023, the final selected team will then head into a residential camp in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Gazelles will make their third appearance on the continent after debuting in 1997 and later in 2015.

The Summoned players

Evelyn Nakiyingi (JKL Dolphins)

Flavia Oketcho (JKL Dolphins)

Rita Imanishimwe (JKL Dolphins)

Hope Akello (JKL Dolphins)

Brenda Ekone (JKL Dolphins)

Leticia Awor (JKL Dolphins)

Shakira Nanvubya (UCU Lady Cardinals)

Bridget Aber (UCU Lady Cardinal)

Sheila Lamunu (UCU Lady Cardinals)

Sarah Ageno (JT Lady Jaguars)

Janon Otto (Eastern M-AUS)

Victoria Mukisa (Simpson College)

Lydia Babirye (Victoria Christian H/S)

Jamila Nansikombi (Troy University)

Priscilla Abby (Grayson College)

Jane Asinde (U-Tep)

Mellisa Akullo (Vanguard University)

Maria Najjuma