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The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has confirmed that U16 Uganda National Teams (Boys and Girls) will take part in the 2021 FIBA Africa U16 Championships.

The FIBA Africa U16 Championships will take place in Cairo, Egypt from August 6-15, 2021.

The boys have been undergoing non-residential training at Makerere University under coach Ronnie Mutebi while the girls had a residential camp at African Bible University in Lubowa overseen by coaches Roger Sserunyigo and Ali Mavita.

The sides depart for Cairo today (5th August) and they will need to finish among the top teams to qualify for the FIBA Africa U17 Championships due in 2022.

Five private companies supported the federation to make participation in this year’s championship a reality for the youngsters.

The Teams

Girls: Mary Priscilla Nambogo, Sarah Namale, Bernadette Babirye Nalweyiso, Zoe Atek, Mariam Namukwaya, Christine Namyalo, Saima Christine, Elisha Tashobya, Elisa Mulungi, Gertrude Nyamutoro, Sharon Lamwaka, Immaculate Adongpiny

Coaches – Roger Sserunyigo and Ali Mavita

Boys: Favour Siima Birungi, Mathew Kisakye, Joel Muwonge, Emmanuel Omara, Brighton Galiwango, Fahad Ssempebwa, Yuhi Rukikare, Dada Benedict Olusegun, Ethan Bulenzi, Clarence Ssekawu Mayengo

Coach – Ronnie Mutebi

Officials

Uganda’s Group Phase Fixtures (All in East Africa Time)

Boys

Girls

Uganda qualified for a third straight FIBA AfroBasket after beating Morocco side 77-65 on Thursday night at the Salle El Bouazzaoui.

Teenager Arthur Kaluma inspired the Silverbacks on his debut with game-high 20 points to go with 5 rebounds and 2 steals on a historic night.

Morocco took an early lead 5-2 in the first quarter but the Ugandans pulled away thereafter leading 20-10 at the end of the first quarter to make their intention clear.

However, Morocco chose a zone defense in the second quarter that Uganda struggled to break down as the home side maximized on the steals to score in transition and cut their deficit to just a single point (32-31) at the halftime break.

The Silverbacks of Uganda returned from the long break with a wounded attitude and charged at the Moroccans who were caught unaware in the opening four minutes, forcing head coach Labib El Hamrani to go to the veterans – Mohamed Choua and Soufiane Kourdou who brought more heat to the game – but Uganda maintained a double-digit lead (55-44) at the end of the third quarter.

Morocco fought for their lives taking the game to a four-point battle (62-58) halfway through the last quarter but Kaluma went on a run, scoring 10 of his eventual 20 points in the last five minutes of the game to announce his arrival on the Ugandan roster.

Wainright 11 points and 12 rebounds, Eric Rwahire (14 points), and John Deng Geu (10 points) made significant contributions in the victory.

The Silverbacks will now join Senegal, Cameroon, and debutants South Sudan in Group D.

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The Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) has confirmed the withdraw of the Women’s National Basketball Team (Gazelles) from the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers.

In a statement released by FUBA President, Nasser Sserunjogi, the Federation failed to secure funds from Government to facilitate the team at the regional (Zone V) qualifying event.

“The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations – FUBA has today unfortunately made a difficult and painful decision to withdraw its participation from the Afrobasket Qualifiers (Women),” the statement reads.

“This decision has been reached at after failing to get the much needed financial support from Government,” Sserunjogi noted.

The Qualifiers are slated for 12th-17th July 2021 in Kigali, Rwanda.

Uganda’s Silverbacks will hold a 10-day training camp in the Egyptian capital Cairo ahead of AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers in Morroco.

“Our plan is to have a camp in Cairo for 10 days where foreign-based players will link up with our local-based players where the team can gel and prepare for the games,” said Nasser Sserunjogi, the FUBA president.

The Silverbacks have to win one of the two games (against Morocco and Cape Verde) they will play next month for them to qualify directly or it will be qualification mathematics if they lose both.

Morocco will be Uganda’s first opponent on Thursday, July 8 in Salé at Salle Bouazzaoui and if necessary, the team will head to Cape Verde for a July 15 encounter with the islanders.

Silverbacks roster for the games was revealed on Wednesday and has two fresh faces in Keiran Zziwa and Mohamed Ghedi.

The local-based players are expected to fly to Cairo today (Thursday, June 24) where they will link up with the foreign legion that includes head coach George Galanapoulos.

The Roster

Jimmy Enabu (City Oilers), Tonny Drilleba (City Oilers), James Okello (City Oilers), Ben Komakech (City Oilers), Titus Odeke Lual (UCU Canons), Robinson Odoch Opong (Canada), Eric Rwahwire (Canada), Keiran Zziwa (Canada), Mohamed Ghedi Abdihakim (USA), John Deng Geu (Denmark), Ishmail Wainwright (France) and Arthur Kaluma (USA)

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has announced the twelve-man squad for the rescheduled FIBA AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers.

There are two new players on the team in Keiran Zziwa and Mohamed Ghedi. The two are part of the seven foreign based players on the team. The others are; Ishmail Wainwright, Arthur Kaluma, Eric Rwahwire, Robinson Opong, and John Deng Geu.

Uganda’s games at last qualifying window in Tunisia in February were called off shortly before tip-off following five positive tests for COVID-19 in the Silverbacks camp.

The rescheduled games are to be played on Thursday, July 8 and 15 but the second game will depend on the result of the first.

While Egypt sealed their qualification from the group, Cape Verde, Morocco, and Uganda have to battle for the remaining two places and the Silverbacks need just a single win to qualify for the continental championship.

Uganda will play Morocco first in Salé at Salle Bouazzaoui and then Cape Verde if necessary.

According to FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi, the team will have a ten-day camp in Cairo, Egypt before heading to Morocco for the game.

“Our plan is to have a camp in Cairo for 10 days where foreign-based players will link up with our local-based players where the team can gel and prepare for the games,” he says.

The five home based players and coaches leave for Egypt on Thursday, June 24.

The Squad

Jimmy Enabu (City Oilers), Tonny Drilleba (City Oilers), James Okello (City Oilers), Ben Komakech (City Oilers), Titus Odeke Lual (UCU Canons), Robinson Odoch Opong (Canada), Eric Rwahwire (Canada), Keiran Zziwa (Canada), Mohamed Ghedi Abdihakim (USA), John Deng Geu (Denmark), Ishmail Wainwright (France), Arthur Kaluma (USA)

Uganda women’s national basketball team (Gazelles) for the upcoming FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers has been summoned.

The FIBA Africa Zone 5 Championship which will double as the AfroBasket Qualifiers will be played from July 12-17 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The Gazelles will lock horns with hosts Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Burundi with the tournament winners representing the region at the continental championship in Yaoundé, Cameroon from September 17-26.

Half of the players summoned feature for the National Basketball League back-to-back champions JKL Lady Dolphins, three are from KCCA Leopards, two from UCU Lady Canons, and one from KIU Rangers.

According to FUBA, the basketball governing body in the country, the team starts non-residential training on Friday, June 18 after taking the COVID-19 tests on Thursday.

List of Players summoned

Coaches

The first round of the fifth season of Singleton Golf Challenge was held on Saturday, 29th May 2021 at the par 71 Entebbe Golf Club course.

There was an overwhelming turn up of golfers in the main event as well as in the subsidiary category.

Going into the second round scheduled for 25th June, there are only three all-female teams left in the main event.

Uganda Ladies Golf Union (ULGU) President Anne Abeja and her Vice Ritah Akot Apell, 2018 winners Peace Kabasweka and Sheila Kesiime as well as Lillian Koowe and Sharon Musiimenta are the ladies pairings still standing.

Abeja and Akot overcame the pairing of Stanley Muhwezi and Edwin Tumusiime 4-up while Kabasweka and Kesiime won 7-up over Ruth Mugisha and Grace Njeri. Koowe and Musiimenta went past Gilbert Asiimwe and Charles Kabunga 3-up.

Last season’s semifinalists Oscar Semawere and Marvin Kagoro are out after losing 4-up to Joseph Kimani and Fred Kimbuge.

Subsidiary Group

Timothy Okwi beat Robert Busingye with 35 points on count back to emerge winner in men’s Group A while Paul Ndyaguma was second runner up with 34 points.

Allan Murungi was men’s Group B winner with 36 points while Sebbale Kato beat Allan Akiira with 35 points on count back to emerge second.

In men’s Group C, Kotecha Chirag was winner with 41 points, Paul Ndyaguma was second with 40 points while Jimmy Adiga completed the podium with 39 points.

In the ladies category, Resty Nalutaaya narrowly beat Jenina Nasimolo with 37 points on count back to win Group A. Lukia Tiko finished third with 34 points.

In Group B, Mbarara Club Lady Captain Godlive Nayebare was winner with 37 points. Gertrude Kityo came second with 31 points and Entebbe Club Lady Captain Charity Tushabomwe was third with 30 points.

David Musisi won the seniors’ category with 36 points whilst Antonio Di Fonzo was runner up with 34 points.

Side Bets

Hasifah Karungi claimed both the ladies nearest to the pin and longest drive accolades for the ladies.

Samuel Sejjaka won the male nearest to the pin contest with Andrew Baguma taking the bragging rights for the longest drive on hole 18.

Round Two Match-ups

There are interesting match-ups coming up in the second round of the challenge and they include;

Abeja and Akot battling the pairing of Joseph Kimani and Fred Kimbuge while Kabasweka and Kesiime will face Sammy Migunda and Muhammad Jezan.

Koowe and Musiimenta shall battle Albert Gitta and Herbert Olowo as Collins Mwesiga and Jackie Kwesiga take on Andrew Atuhaire and Michael Muhangi.

Yunus Bbaale and Irene Nakalembe shall play Casper Okiru and Ronald Osekeny among other pairings.

The Singleton Golf Challenge has been played since 2017 and is now arguably the most interesting monthly amateur championship with a lively 19th hole experience celebrated along different themes.

Meanwhile, last season’s winning pair of Innocent Nahabwe and Adoch Luwum didn’t honour this year’s edition.

Schedule

Singleton Golf Challenge Past Winners

Caddies have been integral members of the golf scene for centuries. They are some of the unsung heroes and heroines in the golfing fraternity alongside the Groundsmen, Course Martials, ball spotters, referees, and locker-room attendants.

Caddies execute a great deal of work while on the course to help their Masters plan and play well during a round of leisure or in a competitive setting.

It’s widely believed that two-thirds of the world’s most successful golfers once served as caddies who worked their way to the top. Numerous practice rounds, internal competitions, and caddy events have lifted caddies to up their game through the amateur to professional setting.

On Monday, 16th June, caddies in Uganda and the neighbouring countries will on converge at the par 71 Entebbe Golf Club for the annual Entebbe Caddies Open.

At least 200 caddy golfers are expected to grace the day-long championship that will be played on medal format.

The host club will be joined by the caddies from Uganda Golf Club – Kampala, Namulonge, Palm Valley, Lake Victoria Resort and Spa – Serena Kigo, Arua, Kabale, Mbale, Jinja, Mehta, Tooro Golf Club – Fort portal, Kilembe Mines – Kasese as well as the visiting delegation from Muthaiga Golf Club in Kenya.

Eddie Onegi, the tournament director, anticipates a competitive event.

“I expect a great championship for the caddies come the 16th June 2021 in Entebbe. We have extended invitations to all the clubs in Uganda and well as those in Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The caddies yearn to stand good and dominate the golfing fraternity,” Onegi said.

“We anticipate a great event where all the COVID-19 SOP’s will be respected to the dot. Regular sanitizing, wearing of face masks, social distancing, and hand washing will be followed,” Rogers Omara revealed.

There await great rewards as trophies, material prizes, and certificates to the outstanding golfers on the day.

Caddies in the different handicap groups will be rewarded in either gender.

MTN Uganda in partnership with BBS Terefayina have launched a bicycle racing competition amongst the 18 counties (Masaza) of Buganda.

The launch took place at the Buganda Kingdom administrative headquarters in Bulange Gardens, Mengo, Kampala.

Dubbed “Kengere ya BBS ne MTN”, the challenge is expected to revive cycling as a competitive sport in the kingdom and return the consequent social benefits to the people in Buganda.

Bicycling, commonly known as Obugaali, is a social event that was enjoyed in Buganda for many years. In the past, the kingdom organized bicycle races across counties; and following a lull, a Buganda Cycling Committee was launched last November to revive the sport in Buganda.

Following the partnership, BBS Terefayina agreed on terms with Kibo Media, to organize the maiden Obugaali Bicycle Challenge under the name “Kengere ya BBS ne MTN” scheduled to take place on the 19th and 20th June 2021 in Buddu, Masaka.

Representation from all the 18 counties of Buganda will be mobilized and transported to Buddu where the challenge will take place. Each county team will comprise 4 men, 2 women, 1 mechanic, and the team manager. These teams have been selected by the Cycling Committee in consultation with the respective County Sports Committees, from the various local competitions they organize.

While launching the bicycle challenge, the General Manager, Sales & Distribution of MTN Uganda, Joseph Bogera, said that MTN is proud to be part of the revival of this sport in Uganda.

“As MTN, we are strongly grounded in the belief that we are good together. We only succeed if the communities in which we operate succeed. Being a partner in development also means that we have a responsibility to support the social-economic opportunities in our communities like this we’re partnering on with BBS Terefayina as they celebrate 5 years of existence,” said Bogera.

The Chairman of the Board of BBS Terefayina, Fabian Kasi, thanked MTN for reviving this loved sport in the Kingdom and for recognizing the value BBS Terefayina brings to the socio-economic development of Buganda and Uganda in particular.

“Bicycle racing used to be a major feature on Buganda’s social calendar. It is a sport that united our people. We are happy that once again, we shall be able to bring together all the 18 counties of Buganda and revive a healthy experience in the kingdom,” he said.

Kasi reiterated BBS Terefayina’s mandate to bring reliable and informative programmes to the people but also its social corporate investment of giving back to the societies in which they work. He further thanked MTN Uganda for their partnership over the years and pledged to continue working together even beyond their 5-year anniversary.

The rules and regulations governing the Kengere ya BBS ne MTN Bicycle Challenge will be released ahead of the event next month.

While celebrating its 20th anniversary in Uganda, MTN organized bicycle races across Uganda in the districts of Arua, Gulu, Lira, Kabale, Mbarara, Fort Portal, Hoima, and Mbale. The races were warmly welcomed as participants rode from neighboring districts to take part in the races, a great indication of the love for the sport in the country.

Power Basketball Club have recorded their worst start to a season, falling in all the five games played thus far.

The five-time National Basketball League champions have lost to KIU Titans, Ndejje University Angels, JKL Dolphins, City Oilers, and UPDF Tomahawks

To the management of the club, the problem has been coaching and not the nearly entirely new roster that’s also short on quality. As a result, the management has fired head coach, Arnold Lando, commonly know as Mchuda.

With only four games left in the regular season for the five-time champions, all are must-wins for the side to stand a chance of getting into the playoffs. KCCA Panthers, UCU Canons, Namuwongo Blazers, and Falcons are the remaining games for Power.

The side has recalled Bernice Akunda to steer the club for the rest of the season. Akunda, who won the 2011 title for the club, will be assisted by Carol Bisereko.