JT Lady Jaguars seek revenge against JKL Lady Dolphins

2026 National Basketball League

Wednesday 11th

Women  

KIU Rangers 55 Angels 41

Miracle Eaglets 65 UPDF Lady Tomahawks 61

JT Lady Jaguars 58 Victoria University She Crocs 41

Friday 13th (Lugogo)

JKL Lady Dolphins v JT lady Jaguars 7pm

Last season’s finalists, JT Lady Jaguars and JKL Lady Dolphins, will renew their rivalry on Friday, February 13, in the National Basketball League (NBL).

The Kira-based Jaguars head into the clash full of confidence after winning their opening two matches of the 2026 season, as they chase a third straight victory.

Team captain Sarah Ageno says last season’s finals experience has motivated the squad to aim higher.

“We are looking for the third win, and playing JKL in the finals last season was a big step for us as a team. There was a lot to learn, and experience is very important. Players who have been there before know what it takes,” Ageno said.

“For us, this is motivation to come back stronger next season and fight for the championship. We respect JKL. Giving up has never been our thing. We tell ourselves, ‘We’ve got this.’ Step on the court and compete.”

The Jaguars opened their campaign with a dominant 74–29 win over Pearl Queens, followed by a 58–41 victory over newcomers Victoria University She Crocs on Wednesday, February 11, at the JT Jaguars Den in Kira. Against the She Crocs, Ageno delivered an all-round performance with 14 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks in 31 minutes.

Head coach Sudi Ulanga and assistant Cuthbert Nkoba have retained most of last season’s squad, building strong chemistry around players like Mercy Batamuliza, Shakirah Nanvubya, Brenda Kayaga, and Azida Nabayunga. The team has also strengthened with the signings of Bridget Aber and Amy Chan Grace. Since earning promotion in 2022, the Lady Jaguars have steadily improved, shocking many by sweeping KCCA Leopards in the 2024 playoffs and reaching the 2025 finals, where they lost 4–1 to JKL.

Meanwhile, the Lady Dolphins are searching for their first win of the new season after a 73–63 loss to KCCA Leopards in their opener. Despite winning the 2025 finals against the Jaguars, JKL have undergone major changes. The departure of 2025 MVP Hope Akello, who moved to Morocco, is a significant blow. Other key players including Ruth Letaro, Zainah Lokwameri, and centre Becky Longom have also left the club.

For years, JKL formed the backbone of the national team, The Gazelles, and set the standard in the league. However, maintaining an experienced, high-value squad without major sponsorship has proven difficult. Their current rebuild may weaken them in the short term but opens the door for other teams to challenge for the title.

Friday’s clash therefore carries added meaning: the Jaguars want revenge and a third straight win, while the Dolphins aim to prove they remain contenders despite the changes.

Elsewhere in Game Week Two, KIU Rangers defeated Angels 55–41 at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Wednesday. Sharon Kirabo starred with 18 points, 20 rebounds, five assists, and three steals, supported by Racheal Nambuya (13 points) and Cinderella Charity Anena (12 points, 13 rebounds). For Angels, Mellisa Nantambi scored 10 points, but the team struggled early, taking eight minutes to score their first basket and trailing by 17 points in the opening quarter.

At YMCA Court in Wandegeya, Miracle Eaglets edged UPDF Lady Tomahawks 65–61 in overtime. Caroline Nakato scored 20 points, while Winfred Akello added 12 points and 16 rebounds for the Eaglets. Despite the loss, Moreen Atulinda (19 points) and Ruth Letaru (18 points) impressed for the Lady Tomahawks.