UCU Lady Canons open season in dominant fashion

UCU Lady Canons captain Shillah Lamunu says her team began the 2026 National Basketball League season with focus and respect for every opponent, following their emphatic 73–29 victory over Angels on Sunday, February 8.

Lamunu emphasized that the team avoided complacency despite last season’s walkover against Angels, noting that their mindset is geared toward consistency throughout the campaign.

“We came in with a mindset not to undermine any team. Last season the game was a walkover, but we did not want that mentality this year. We are preparing for the entire season, not for one opponent. It is about doing our part and everyone playing their role,” Lamunu said.

She added that the Lady Canons are concentrating on fundamentals, consistency, and collective responsibility.

“We are ready. The season has started. We are prepared and everyone is ready to work and stay consistent. The mentality is about us. We are not looking at other teams. We are coming strong and coming harder,” she said.

Lady Canons in control from the start

The Lady Canons raced to a 13–0 lead inside five minutes, with Sylvia Nakituuka scoring four points and center Martina Anyango adding nine. Head coach Nicholas Natuhereza rotated his squad early, resting the starting five of Nakituuka, Sarah Namale, Anyango, Lamunu, and captain Malaika Najjuko.

Debutants Mariam Namukwaya and Faith Aseru, alongside Zoe Atek, Sylvia Nantongo, and Saima Christine, maintained the pressure to close the first quarter ahead 17–6. By halftime, UCU had stretched the advantage to 38–17.

At the end of the third quarter, the Lady Canons led 56–23, before substitute Asacha Mariam scored immediately in the final quarter, ensuring all eleven players got on the scoreboard. Anyango and Nantongo led with 13 and 10 points respectively, while Angels’ Joan Namatovu managed eight. Angels joined Pearl Queens among the lowest-scoring teams of opening week, limited to just 29 points by Lady Canons and Lady Jaguars.

UCU Canons Triumph in Men’s Contest

In the men’s game, UCU Canons defeated Uganda Martyrs University Flames 79–64 later on Sunday at Lugogo.

After a slow start, Jimmy Otim opened the scoring with a driving lay-up to settle nerves. UCU led 16–9 after the first quarter and pulled away in the second, with Daniel Muganizi hitting a three-pointer to secure a 44–26 halftime lead. The Canons scored seven quick points after the break and maintained control to win by 15.

Otim led with 21 points, followed by Muganizi (13) and Ekirapa Zachariah (12). For UMU Flames, Agot Agot scored 16, Joshua Diallo added 11, and Micheal Opwonyo finished with 10.

Other Weekend Results

KIU Rangers edged Nabisunsa 66–61 in the women’s contest. Ines Kanyamuneza starred with 25 points, while Sharon Kirabo added 22 points and 14 rebounds. For Nabisunsa, Abigail Mpoza scored 20 and Keturah Joy Auma had 19.

UPDF Lady Tomahawks opened their season with a 51–41 win over Magic Stormers, led by Ruth Noella Letaru with 24 points, two rebounds, and three assists.

In the men’s game, Rezlife Saints beat UPDF Tomahawks 83–63, with debutant Edrine Ekau impressing on 21 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

Upcoming fixtures

The National Basketball League continues on Wednesday, February 11. At YMCA Wandegeya, Miracle Eaglets will face UPDF Lady Tomahawks at 7pm, followed by City Oilers against UPDF Tomahawks at 9pm. At Lugogo Indoor Arena, KIU Rangers will play Angels at 7pm before Sommet BC take on UMU Flames at 9pm.

At Jaguars Den, JT Lady Jaguars will meet Victoria She Crocs at 7pm, while JT Jaguars face Victoria Crocs at 9pm.

National Basketball League

Sunday 8th (Lugogo)

Women

UCU Lady Canons 73 Angels 29

KIU Rangers 66 Nabisunsa 61

Lady Tomahawks 51 Magic Stormers 41

Men

UCU Canons 79 UMU Flames 64

Rezlife Saints 83 UPDF Tomahawks 63

Wednesday 11th

YMCA Wandegeya

Women

Miracle Eaglets v Lady Tomahawks 7pm

Men

City Oilers v UPDF Tomahawks 9pm

Lugogo Indoor Arena

Women

KIU Rangers vs Angels 7pm

Men

Sommet BC vs UMU Flames 9pm

Jaguars Den

Women

JT Lady Jaguars v Victoria She Crocs 7pm

Men

JT Jaguars vs Victoria Crocs 9pm