2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series (Kampala Leg):

1^st Round (Gross Category)

• Leader: John Musiimenta – 65
• Runners up: Ronny Okoti – 72
• T3: Ibrahim Ssemakula – 73
• T3: Joseph Kanolera – 73

John Musiimenta was in fine form during the opening round of the 2025 Pearl of Africa Golf Series at the par-72 Uganda Golf Club in Kampala on Wednesday.

Musimenta scored a stunning 7-under 65 to command the gross field.

Musiimenta played a bogy free round with 7 birdies (on holes 3, 4, 8, 9, 13, 16, and 17) and 11 pars (on holes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 and 18).

“Happy for the round played. I approached the course with caution and I want to maintain the status quo until the final round,” Musiimenta remarked.

Ronny Okoti completed the 18 holes with a course-level score of 72, a shot better than Ibrahim Ssemakula and Joseph Kanolera who were tied for third with 73.

Lawrence Walakira completed the top five on the leaderboard with 2-over 74.

Amon Bwambale (75), Sande Lulet (75), Hassan Kiyemba (75), Peter Tumusiime (75) and the long-hitting lady golfer Meron Kyomugisha (75) are all in the top ten.

There will be four rounds to be played with a cash kitty of Shs 5,000,000 among the outstanding crop.

Meanwhile, Ronald Rugumayo and Marvin Kibirige lead the professionals’ category with a joint 3-under score of 68.

The professionals’ total prize fund is Shs 20,000,000.

The inaugural Pearl of Africa Golf series will be played at three different courses in Kampala, Entebbe and climaxing in Lugazi.

Each of the legs will be played over four rounds (72 holes’ action) for both the professionals and the gross category players.

Uganda’s Gazelles bounced back from defeat to Egypt with a resounding 83-69 win over South Sudan at the Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers.

Jane Asinde was the star of the show at Hassan Moustafa Hall in Cairo pouring in a tournament 28 points to go with 9 rebounds.

After a balanced start to the game that saw the sides exchange early baskets, the Gazelles started to pull away and led by 10 points (27-17) after the opening ten minutes.

South Sudan shone early in the second quarter putting Uganda under pressure as they cut the deficit to 3 points (30-27) but Shakira Nanvubya’s 3-pointer swung the momentum back to Gazelles’ favour closing out the quarter leading by 19 (50-31).

Unlike the first half, the Ugandans never allowed South Sudan to have a spark throughout the third period as Asinde, Hope Akello (12 points, 9 rebounds) and Claire Lamunu (7 points) responded to every run.

Despot playing more of a facilitator role, Paige Robinson finished with 14 points to go with 4 assists and as many rebounds.

Shakirah Nanvubya who set the tone early from beyond the arc netted 14 points and handed out 4 assists.

Meanwhile, Delica Washington who played all 40 minutes led South Sudan with 24 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in a losing effort.

Aduk Bulgak (14 points, 8 rebounds), Rose Akon (12 points, 10 rebounds) and Pidor Teny (10 points) also scored in double figures for South Sudan.

Result: Uganda 62-65 Egypt

Uganda lost a close game to Egypt, 62-65, in a 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Qualifier at Hassan Moustafa Sports Hall on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Egypt started strong, taking a nine-point lead (23-14) by the end of the first quarter.

Although Uganda played better in the second quarter, they still trailed by one point (32-33) at halftime.

After the break, Uganda struggled, scoring only nine points in the third quarter. Egypt capitalized, increasing their lead to five points (41-46).

Midway through the final quarter, Uganda took the lead (55-54). However, they had accumulated too many fouls, and Egypt took advantage of the free throws.

Ultimately, Egypt narrowly defeated Uganda 65-62 in front of their home crowd.

For Uganda, the top scorers were Paige Robinson (24 points), Jane Asinde (18 points), and Hope Akello (11 points).

Egypt’s leading scorers were Nadine Mohamed (19 points) and Raneem Elgedawy (20 points).

2025 Kabalaza Golf Championship (Professionals)

• Winner: Ronald Ruguamyo – 69, 68 (137)
• T2: David Kamulindwa – 68, 70 (138)
• T2: Grace Kasango – 69, 69 (138)
• T4: Saidi Mawa – 72, 69 (141)
• T4: Abraham Ainamani – 68, 73 (141)
• T6: Davis Kato – 73, 71 (144)
• T6: Deo Akope – 72, 72 (144)
• T6: Samuel Kato – 73, 71 (144)

Ronald Rugumayo, currently Uganda’s top professional golf player, won the season opener – Kabalaza Golf Open Championship in Entebbe.

Mayo, as he is known in golf circles, scored 5-under 137 (gross) in the 36-hole action played over two days at the lakeside course.

Rugumayo opened the first round with 2-under 69 before bettering his score by a stroke on the second day of action with 3-under-68.

Meanwhile, David Kamulindwa and Grace Kasango tied for second place with 4-under 138 gross in 36 holes.

Saidi Mawa and Abraham Ainamani each tied on 141 whilst the trio of Davis Kato, Deo Akope and Samuel Kato managed to make the cut with 2-over-144.

The top prize fund for all the golfers above the cut line was Shs 6,000,000.

Missed Cut

Nasser Mackie, Silver Opio, Tadeo Rodell Gaita, Bulhan Matovu, Deco Mutebi, Emma Ogwang, Peter Sendawula, Vincent Byamukama, Adolf Muhumuza, Ashraf Bagalana, Ronald Bukenya, Marvin Kibirige, James Koto, Herman Mutawe, Ronald Otile, Abbey Bagalana, Henry Lujja, Tom Jingo and Richard Baguma are some pros that missed the cut.

Meanwhile, Ivan J. Sekulima won the gross cluster with +8 (221) in 54 holes.

Anthony Otukei played second fiddle with 222 with the duo of Andrew Ssekibejja and Joseph Cwinya-ai tying in third place on 223 gross apiece.

The gross players played for Shs. 5,000,000.

Afrobasket Qualifiers | Results

• Kenya 56-78 Uganda

Uganda Women’s Basketball National Team, Gazelles cruised to a victory in the opening game of the 2025 FIBA Women Afrobasket Qualifiers.

The Gazelles opened up a 12-point lead (23-11) ahead of Kenya at the end of the first stanza of the game.

Despite Kenya’s strong fight they were poor on offence and went into the long break trailing by 12 points (28-40).

Coming from the long break, the Gazelles extended the lead to 20 points (57-37) as they set the momentum for the final stanza.

The Gazelles put the icing on the cake in the final period with a 22-point lead as they sealed the first victory of the campaign.

Uganda’s scoreboard was led by Jane Asinde (24 points), Paige Robinson (15 points) and Shakira Nanvubya (14 points).

They will return to action on Tuesday as they take on the hosts Egypt.

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.

The Kampala Hockey Sawns have expressed confidence as they gear up for the highly anticipated Africa Cup tournament.

The team was officially flagged off on Monday, January 27, as they prepared to showcase their skills on the continental stage.

Speaking at the send-off event, team captain Vanessa Abeja expressed her pride and optimism about the upcoming competition.

“It’s an honour to be part of the team representing our nation,” Abeja said.

“We have trained diligently, and our coaches have done everything to prepare us. I am confident we will perform to the best of our ability.”

The team boasts a mix of youthful talent and experienced players, striking a balance that could prove advantageous in the tournament.

Veteran player and seasoned coach Sandra Namusoke echoed Abeja’s sentiments and called for support and patience from Ugandans.

“Hockey is a team sport, and the players need time to grow and play together,” Namusoke said. “We urge Ugandans to support the ladies and trust the process. We believe in ourselves and are determined to not only participate but also put up a strong fight.”

With high spirits and solid preparation, the Kampala Hockey Sawns are set to compete with determination and pride on the continental stage.