It was a moment of jubilation and celebration for Rebecca Chelengat as she claimed gold at the 3rd Sevilla Half Marathon on Sunday.

Chelengat was followed closely by her compatriot, Annet Chemengich Chelengat, who took silver, while Ethiopian Yalganesh Eskamech Gedafa finished in third place.

The winner entered the race with a personal best of 1:10:34, which she significantly improved to 1:07:18, setting a new race record.

Chelengat continues to show remarkable progress as an athlete, advancing from a silver medal last year to gold this year.

She earned €2,000 (approximately UGX 7,758,000) in prize money for winning the race, along with an additional €1,000 (approximately UGX 3,879,000) for breaking the race record.

Kampala Hockey Swans are set to represent Uganda at the prestigious Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC).

The team qualified for the ACCC following their impressive victory in the 2024 National Hockey League held at Lugogo, the home of hockey in Uganda.

“The team is incredibly proud of its accomplishments and is excited to represent Uganda at this highly competitive tournament,” said Vanessa Abeja, Team Captain of the Kampala Hockey Swans.

Games will take place in Ismailia, Egypt, from January 30th to February 7th, 2025, bringing together the continent’s top hockey clubs.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from the players and coaching staff to our supporters,” Abeja added.

The Kampala Hockey Swans have been diligently preparing for the ACCC, with intense training sessions and strategic planning guided by their coaching team.

The team is confident in their ability to compete at the highest level and is eager to make a mark at the tournament.

“Participating in the ACCC is a valuable opportunity to gain exposure, experience, and recognition on a major stage,” notes Jordan Michael Mpiima, the Coach of the Kampala Swans.

After weeks of training, the She Cranes’ final squad for the 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup scheduled to take place from February 1-9 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham and Copper Box Arena in London, England has been revealed.

The team will depart on Wednesday ahead of the four-team tournament. England, South Africa, and Malawi are the opponents.

Fildauce Namuleme, Sylvia Nanyonga, Lilian Achola, Malisera Akello, Deborah Nakijoba, and Barbara Namukaaya have been dropped while youngster Joan Ryekoboth makes the cut.

Privas Kayeny, Mutesi Nassim, Penelope Amiya and Hindu Namutebi are the other fresh faces on the team.

Star shooter Mary Nuba will join the team directly from her Australian where she features for Queensland Firebirds.

She Cranes final squad

Shooters – Christine Namulumba (Prisons), Rachael Nanyonga (NIC), Irene Eyaru (KCCA), Mary Nuba Cholhok (Queensland Firebirds)

Middle Court – Joan Ryekoboth (St Mary’s Kitende), Hindu Namutebi (Police), Margaret Baagala (NIC), Penelope Amiya (NIC)

Defenders – Sandra Nambirige (NIC), Gloria Aya (NIC), Nasim Mutesi (NIC), Hanisha Muhameed (KCCA), Privas Kayeny (NIC)

Head Coache – Rashid Mubiru

Assistant Coach – Ruth Meeme

Uganda’s Cricket Cranes are set to depart today for Hong Kong ahead of the second leg of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B scheduled for 4th-16th February.

Head coach Abhay Sharma is confident his side is in good shape to continue with their excellent form exhibited during the first round hosted at Lugogo and Entebbe Oval.

“The boys are in a very good shape skill-wise in all aspects – bowling, batting and fielding,” Sharma said.

“The most important part for me as a coach is planning, preparation and implementation. At the moment, the implementation part is a little away, but planning and preparations are going in a very good way. A lot of support staff helping and everything is being taken care of.

“We are looking forward to better days to come. As far as batting is concerned, we are looking forward to the skill levels we’ve attained this time. Hong Kong conditions are different, but we have tried to create scenarios and situations we might encounter.”

Before the tournament, the team will be engaged in a tri-nation series with Baharain and hosts Hong Kong that starts on 31st January.

The 2025 National Rally Championship got underway today in the western district of Mbarara with thirty-seven crews in the fray.

The opening leg of Lumala @60 Mama @90 Birthday Rally was won by Yasin Nasser and Ali Katumba. The Moil Rally crew won stage one with a time of 7 minutes and 27.9 seconds.

Mafu Mafu’s Ponsiano Lwaakataka and Paul Masazi recorded the second-best time (7:44.6) while Ronald Ssebuguzi and Anthony Mugambwa posted 7:45.6 for third place.

Edward Kirumira leads the two-wheel category after posting a time of 8:53.3 followed by Amiri Kavuma who raced to a time of 9:20.0. In third place of the 2WD is Julius Ssemamba who posted 9:40.4.

The Clubman Rally Championship drives have so far covered two stages. Kevin Bebeto and Walter Kibabde are tied for first place with a time of 13:13.5.

The two-day event that climaxes tomorrow will cover a total competitive distance of 140.64 kilometres.

• 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’s squad for the second round of the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B scheduled for February 4-16 in Hong Kong China has been named.

Two changes have been made to the team that played the first leg hosted in Kampala and Entebbe with Pascal Murungi and Brian Masaba making way for spinner Joseph Baguma and wicketkeeper Cyrus Kakuru.

Kakuru is a backup keeper for Fred Achellam but could be used as a batter on this particular tour while Joseph Baguma will be the fourth spinner in the side offering backup to Henry Ssenyondo, Alpesh Ramjani and Frank Nsubuga.

Uganda is at the top of the six-team log with nine points just two ahead of Italy and Hong Kong ahead of this decisive leg.

If the Kampala leg is anything to go by, only Robinson Obuya had a permanent place at the top of the order and it remains to be seen with whom he will open the batting for Cricket Cranes.

Kenneth Waiswa was decent in Kampala while pacers Juma Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta had to swap places for some games while Riazat Ali Shah was outstanding with the bat.

The Cricket Cranes’ middle order of Dinesh Nakrani and Alpesh Ramjani made very significant contributions with the bat after early collapses.

Ssenyondo and Ramjani combined for over 20 wickets in the Kampala leg and they will still be valuable with the ball for the Cricket Cranes on the slow Asian wickets.

Cricket Cranes Squad: Riazat Ali Shah (Captain), Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani, Raghav Dhawan, Juma Miyagi, Cosmas Kyewuta, Kenneth Waiswa, Joseph Baguma, Cyrus Kakuru, Fred Achellam, Henry Ssenyondo, Frank Nsubuga, Shrideep Mangela, Robinson Obuya.

Uganda’s Fixtures:

• Uganda vs. Bahrain – 7th February
• Singapore vs. Uganda – 10th February
• Uganda vs. Italy – 12th February
• Uganda vs. Hong Kong – 13th February
• ⁠Uganda vs. Tanzania – 15th February

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.

The first weekend of MTN Busoga Cycling Championship qualifiers saw sixteen cyclists qualify for the next month’s grand finale.

Four chiefdoms of Luuka, Bulamogi, Bunhole-Bunhanumba and Bukhooli held their races with four cyclists (2 from each category) advancing to the grande finale scheduled for February 15.

Awards & Cash Bonanza at Grande Finale

The winners of each category at the grand finale will ride home brand-new motorcycles.

First runners-up will pocket two million (2,000,000) each, second runners-up will smile to one million (1,000,000) individually.

 Fourth-place finishers will earn five hundred thousand shillings (500,000), while those who will finish in fifth place in every category will get three hundred thousand shillings (300,000).

Cyclists who complete the race but finish outside the top five positions will be appreciated with a token of fifty thousand shillings (50,000) each.

MTN Busoga Cycling Championship began in 2022.  Bukooli won the Tippa category while Butembe reigned supreme in the Mountain Sport Bike category.

Luuka Chiefdom

Tippa

1. Musitwa Andrew (Q)
2. Mulondo Rashid (Q)
3. Basalirwa Abbasa
4. Kamadha Nyiro
5. Bogere Andrew

Mountain Sports Bike

1. Magemeso Mensuramu (Q)
2. Kiwanuka Musirimu (Q)
3. Bikumbi Geofrey
4. Awuye Paul
5. Young Lawrence

Bulamogi Chiefdom

Tippa

1. Kisambira Yazid (Q)
2. Naikamba Daniel (Q)
3. Basalirwa Asumani
4. Magala Jamiru
5. Kawuba Sadam

Mountain Sports Bike

• Mukisa Amos (Q)
• Baluwa Benard (Q)
• Oloyi Paul

Bunhole-Bunhanumba Chiefdom

Tippa

1. Damba Bashir (Q)
2. Waiswa Ivan (Q)
3. Kibanda Ronald
4. Kisuyi Muzamiru

Mountain Sports Bike

1. Lukakamwa Nelson (Q)
2. Masaba Ben (Q)
3. Musa Panadol
4. Tegika Hassan

Bukooli Chiefdom

Tippa

1. Luganda Tifu (Q)
2. Malinzi Sam (Q)
3. Igogo Jolly
4. Byanguwa Banuli

Mountain Sport Bikes

1. Mwondha Asumani (Q)
2. Bogere Tanansi (Q)
3. Maganda Dauda

Remaining Qualifiers

• January 25: Busiki & Bunha
• January 26: Bugabula & Bukono
• February 1: Kigulu & Bugweri
• February 2: Butembe
• Grand Finale: February 15, 2025