Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Doves registered two victories on the opening day of the East Africa University Games at Maseno University in Kenya.

The Lady Doves first registered an easy-earned 3-0 walkover victory against Kyambogo University, who did not turn up for the encounter.

In the second test of the day, they went on to thrash Kenya College of Accounting (KCA) University 3-0 in a one-sided encounter.

The Mukono-based side secured the first set with a comfortable 13-point lead (25-12), which set the game’s tone.

Despite the Kenyan institution’s improvement in the second set, they only managed to curb the deficit to seven points (25-17).

It was one-way traffic in the final set as the Lady Doves limited KCA University to only nine points.

Despite several changes in the team during the final set, Lady Doves managed to run over KCA smoothly.

The Mukono-based side is focused on clinching the tournament’s volleyball title.

UCU Lady Doves are the reigning champions of the Uganda University Games.

Uganda’s long-distance runner Stephen Kissa claimed victory in the Tata Steel Kolkata World 25K on Sunday, logging his first win in an international competition in five years.

Kissa clocked 1:12:33 to dethrone Kenya’s Daniel Ebenyo who came second.

The leading group of last year’s winner Daniel Ebenyo, Benson Kipruto, Kissa and Haymanot Alew reached 10km in 28:42 with Ebenyo looking strong, remaining at the helm or alongside Kissa for much of the race.

They reached 15km in 42:56, with Ebenyo and Kissa still leading the pack as the pace picked up along the tram tracks of South Kolkata. Kipruto dropped off as Kissa took the lead at the 20km mark, clocking 57:50, with Ebenyo close behind.

Ebenyo tried to move away from Kissa but the Ugandan athlete held off the challenge to sprint to the tape and win in 1:12:33.

“I realised that I ran well today,” said Kissa. “I thought this could be my day. At the last kilometre, I was comfortable, and I knew I could do it.”

Ebenyo finished runner-up four seconds later, while Anthony Kipchirchir came through for third place in 1:12:55.

“Every day, a champion is born in sports. Last year, it was me. This year, it was Kissa. That is the fun of sports. I am very happy. He has flown the flag of Uganda and congratulations,” Ebenyo said.

Leading Results

Men

1. Stephen Kissa (UGA) 1:12:33
2. Daniel Ebenyo (KEN) 1:12:37
3. Anthony Kipchirchir (KEN) 1:12:55
4. Benson Kipruto (KEN) 1:13:25
5. Asbel Rutto (KEN) 1:13:36

After playing consistently throughout the year, Saidi KirariraTwijukye and Jovia Tugume were on Saturday night crowned the MTN Grand Tee of Tees overall winners.

Kirarira led the men’s order of merit with a total of 557 from his best 8 rounds of the year to stay clear of Richard Oloka (566) and Raymond Ekwamu (568).

Kirarira, playing off handicap 12, recorded his best round in September when he returned to the clubhouse with a nett score of 62.

Tugume amassed 575 to lead the women’s order of merit ahead of Pamela Tumusiime (577) and last year’s winner Bridget Basiima (578). Like Kirarira, Tugume, playing off handicap 18, had her best round in September when she carded 68 nett.

Meanwhile, Andrew Kibaya topped the day emerging as the overall winner of the December tournament. The handicap 17 golfer returned a nett score of 68 beating Llyod Busuulwa on countback.

MTN Monthly Tee – December Top Performers

Overall Winner

• Andrew Kibaya – 68 c/b

Group A – Men

• Winner: Richard Oloka – 70 c/b
• Runner Up: Joseph Adrapi – 73

Group B – Men

• Winner: Marvin Kagoro – 69 c/b
• Runner Up: Lony Akena – 69

Group C – Men

• Winner: Lloyd Busuulwa – 68 c/b
• Runner Up: Picole Lukyamuzi – 70

Group A – Ladies

• Winner: Bridget Basiima – 74 c/b
• Runner Up: Ritah Apel – 74

Group B – Ladies

• Winner: Nice Janda – 72 c/b
• Runner Up: Peace Hellen – 72

Nearest to the Pin

• Men – Martin Kivumbi
• Ladies – Victoria Bagaaya

Longest Drive

• Men – David Mpanga
• Ladies – Sammy Nakanjako

Guest Winner

• Nathan Mubiru – 64

Seniors Winner 

• Richard Muchunguzi – 69

For years, Entebbe Golf Club did not have a recognised halfway house but rather a shade for service providers with seats under a tree for golfers to take a breather after playing the opening nine holes.

However, that is no more thanks to a partnership that the club entered into with MTN Uganda last year that included sponsoring the Monthly Mug (now known as the MTN Monthly Tee), the renovation of the clubhouse and the construction of a halfway house.

On Saturday, December 14 during the MTN Granda Tee of Tees, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge delivered on one of the promises as she officially opened and handed over the halfway house known as the MTN Pod.

“MTN is all about powering the passion that drives every Ugandan. I hope you enjoy the club, I hope you enjoy the Pod. This is MTN’s gift to you,” Mulinge told the golfers present in her short speech.

“We are really grateful to MTN for constructing the MTN Pod for the club,” Entebbe Club captain Serwano Walusimbi said. “For a club of our stature, it is important that we have a halfway house.”

Meanwhile, Saidi Kirarira and club lady captain Jovia Tugume emerged as the overall winners of the Grand Tee of Tees for their consistent performance throughout the year.

Kirarira led the men’s order of merit with a total of 557 from his best 8 rounds of the year to stay clear of Richard Oloka (566) and Raymond Ekwamu (568) while Tugume amassed 575 to lead the women’s order of merit ahead of Pamela Tumusiime (577) and last year’s winner Bridget Basiima (578).

Uganda’s She Cranes put up a spirited fight but came short against South Africa in the finals of the 2024 Africa Netball Cup on Saturday in Namibia.

The She Cranes lost 65-50 to South Africa who led all four quarters.

Nelson Bogere’s charges trailed by four goals (16-12) at the end of the first quarter. They improved defensively in the second quarter but the production in the offensive circle remained the same and trailed 30-24 at halftime.

The Ugandans were out of steam in the third quarter which the South Africans dominated to lead by 17 goals (50-33).

The victory marked South Africa’s fourth Africa Netball Cup title to edge ahead of Uganda who remain on three titles.

Uganda’s centre Margaret Bagala was named the tournament’s best centre after her stellar performance throughout the cup.

The team returns home on Monday.

Uganda’s Starting 7

• Faridah Kadondi (GK)
• Sandra Nambirige (GD)
• Gloria Aya (WD)
• Margret Bagaala (C)
• Mercy Batamuliza (WA)
• Irene Eyaru (GA)
• Mary Cholhok (GS)

Substitutes

• Hanisha Muhameed (GK/GS)
• Shadiah Nassanga (GA/GS)
• Christine Namulumba (GS)
• Joyce Nakibuule (C/WA)
• Christine Nakiito (GD/WD)

• Semifinal Result: Uganda 51-43 Malawi

Uganda She Cranes have qualified for the finals of the Africa Netball Cup.

The She Cranes achieved the the feat after coming from down in the first half to beat Malawi, 51-43.

Nelson Bogere’s side started slow falling back in the opening quarter by 6 goals (14-8) largely due to turnovers from good Malawi defense.

Bogere made changes for the second quarter with Joyce Nakibuule making way for Mercy Batamuliza at Wing Attack and later Sandra Nambirige coming in for Hanisha Muhameed.

The change saw Nambirige take over Wing Defense with Gloria Aya moved to the defensive circle at Goal Defense to join Goal Keeper Faridah Kadondi. The result was Uganda crowing back into the game and going for the halftime break level at 23.

Uganda led for the first time in the third quarter and never looked back with Shadiah Nassanga later coming on to join Mary Nuba in the attacking circle for captain Iren Eyaru who sustained a knock.

The She Cranes will take on South Africa in the final on Saturday at 3:00 pm (EAT).

The MTN Grand Tee of Tees will take centre stage at Entebbe Golf Club with over 200 golfers taking the par 71 course.

According to the draw released by the club, the top two in the Men’s Oder of Merit, Saidi Kirarira and Raymond Okwemu, will tee off at 8:10am. Kirarira is the favourite to win the overall gong.

However, there is stiff competition among the top three ladies on who will take the coveted prize.

Club lady captain Jovia Tugume (575), Pamela Tumusiime (577), and Bridget Basiima (580) are all within reach for the women’s grand prize.

There is an all-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from CFAO Mobility that has been staked for a hole-in-one on the tricky par-3 Hole 8.

The theme of the evening at the 19th hole is “Sunshine at Dusk” with the dress code calling for a touch of yellow.

The mode of play shall be medal, full handicap with a mega prize-giving ceremony set to happen at the spacious Entebbe Cricket Oval.

The She Cranes of Uganda outclassed Eswatini, 85-34, in the ultimate group game at the Africa Netball Cup on Thursday afternoon.

This win propelled the three-time African champions into the semifinals of the 2024 championship.

Uganda dominated and led the game from start to finish with the first ending 27-3 before the lead was stretched to 35 (48-13) by the end of the second quarter.

In the third quarter, coach Nelson Bogere made some changes handing Fildaus Namulema a debut and Christine Namulamba playing time as Uganda had extended their advantage to 63-25.

It was Uganda’s second win in three games, following their win against Namibia on Wednesday having suffered a narrow 49-50 opening-day loss to Zimbabwe.

The She Cranes will take on Malawi in the semifinals scheduled to take place on Friday, December 13.

She Cranes Starting 7

• GS – Mary Nuba
• GA – Irene Eyaru
• WA – Mercy Batamuliza
• C – Margaret Bagala
• WD – Gloria Aya
• GD – Sandra Nambirige
• GK – Faridah Kadondi

Substitutes

• Christine Nakitto (GD)
• Christine Namulumba Kango (GS)
• Shadia Nassanga (GA)
• Fildaus Namulema (C)
• Racheal Nanyonga (GA)

Uganda’s she Cranes have bounced back from the Africa Netball Cup opening-day defeat to Zimbabwe by beating Namibia, 55-43, at MTC Dome in the coastal city of Swakopmund.

Unlike the opener, the She Cranes played with a lot of urgency, moving the ball faster into the circle.

Changes were made to the team set-up with Hanisha Muhammeed starting at GoalKeeper and Faridah Kadondi moving to Goal Defense and the pair was formidable in and around the defensive circle.

In the attacking third, skipper Irene Eyaru started at GoalAttack to join Mary Nuba Cholhok and there was a lot of telepathy in the attacking circle.

The team turned a four-goal (15-11) lead at the end of the opening quarter to a nine-goal (23-32) lead at halftime a lead that was maintained through the second half despite Muhameed’s two-minute suspension.

“We were reckless in our last game but we came into the Namibia match with a winning mentality. We lost the last game due to poor game management, and we couldn’t afford to repeat that mistake against Namibia,” Muhameed said of the game.

Eyaru had a perfect shooting evening making 22 attempts while Cholhok had a shooting accuracy of 84% (33/39). Midcour star Margaret Bagala was named player of the match.

Head coach Nelson Bogere praised his team’s performance.

“The girls executed everything as planned. The home team had the support but the team stayed focused and managed to win,” he said in the aftermath.

Uganda will next play Eswatini on Thursday afternoon in their third group game and a win will send Uganda to the semifinals.

Uganda’s She Cranes will be seeking to bounce back against Namibia when the two teams face off in the Africa Netball Cup on Wednesday.

The She Cranes suffered a shocking 50-49 loss to Zimbabwe on Monday, a setback that put the side in a position of must-win against Namibia if they are to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.

“We have put yesterday’s game aside. We are ready for tomorrow’s game and we know it’s not going to be easy because we are playing the hosts but we have fixed whatever we have to fix,” head coach Nelson Bogere said.

The She Cranes started slow against Zimbaabwe and were sloppy in the first half but were better in the third and early in the foruth before falling off late.

Skipper Irene Eyaru sat out with a slight knock with Shadia Nassanga and Rachael Nanyonga playing as the GAs but the coach saays Eyaru is availabe for selection in the game against Namibia.

“We have a belief that starting tomorrow we will win all our games because we have learned a lot from yeserday’s game. We are going to make it upto the finals,” Eyaru said.

The first centerpass will be made at 7:00pm East African Time.