KIU Titans risk relegation after dismal start to NBL season

The KIU Titans are struggling in the 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) season, having now suffered four consecutive defeats. Their latest loss came at the hands of the JT Jaguars, who beat them 80–37.

The defeat leaves the Titans at the bottom of the table and has sparked fears that the team could face relegation if nothing changes soon.

The Titans return to action on Easter Monday, April 21st, when they take on the UCU Canons at YMCA. It will be another tough test, particularly as the Canons are coming off a solid 78–70 win against Sommet BC on Saturday in Mukono. UCU had previously lost two games in a row before bouncing back with the victory.

Ibanda Lwabaga led UCU with 20 points, while Daniel Muganzi and Jimmy Otim contributed 15 and 14 points, respectively. The win marked their second of the season, and they will be aiming to build momentum.

For the Titans, things have gone from bad to worse. They started the season with three straight losses, showing some promise after scoring 70 points in a high-scoring contest against the Namuwongo Blazers. However, that momentum quickly disappeared.

In their next game, the JT Jaguars completely dominated them. KIU managed just 37 points—their lowest tally of the season—while the Jaguars cruised to an easy win.

Last season, KIU reached the NBL finals and finished as runners-up after being swept 4–0 by the City Oilers. This season, however, the team took a different direction by choosing not to sign experienced players and relying solely on student talent.

Since then, their performance has declined significantly, and their current poor form comes as no surprise to many in the basketball community.

Also playing on Easter Monday will be the unbeaten Namuwongo Blazers, who boast a perfect 7–0 record. They will face Livingstone at YMCA.

The Blazers head into the match full of confidence after their dominant 74–37 victory over the KCCA Panthers on Friday night. Jimmy Enabu stood out with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals. Moses Mugisha added 10 points and 2 steals, while Joel Lukoji and Okello James also delivered impressive performances.

The defending champions, City Oilers, will be in action against the KCCA Panthers. After losing their first two games of the season, the Oilers bounced back with a hard-fought 68–62 win over the in-form Rezlife Saints last Wednesday. They will now be looking to secure their second win of the season.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s NBL action in Mukono saw several matchups. The Miracle Eaglets edged out Angels 58–51 in a tightly contested game. The JKL Dolphins overcame Rezlife Saints 77–68 in a competitive clash, and Victoria Crocs thrashed Livingstone 75–42.

National Basketball League

Miracle Eaglets 58 Angels 51

Crocs 75 Livingstone 42

UCU Canons 78 Sommet 70

JKL Dolphins 77 Rezlife 68

Easter Monday (YMCA Wandegeya)

Ladies

Leopards vs Nabisunsa (10:00 AM)

Lady Canons vs Marines (12:00 PM)

Men

Titans vs UCU Canons (2:00 PM)

Blazers vs Livingstone (4:00 PM)

Panthers vs Oilers (6:00 PM)