By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University’s UCU Lady Canons joined the university community at Thorncroft Chapel on Sunday, September 13, to give thanks for their ninth National Basketball League championship and celebrate a season that ended with the trophy returning to Mukono.
The thanksgiving service, held at Nkoyoyo Hall, brought together the Lady Canons, Sports Office administrators, coaches and athletes from other sporting disciplines, led by University Chaplain Rev. Canon Paul Wasswa Ssembiro.
Head of Sports Samuel Lukaire, Head Coach Nicholas Natuhereza and Assistant Coach Emmanuel Kiguyi were among the sports officials who joined the team as the university celebrated its latest championship.
The service provided an opportunity for the Lady Canons to present the NBL trophy to the university community after their 4–1 victory over JT Lady Jaguars in the finals. The championship, UCU’s ninth, marked the return of the women’s title to the university after their previous triumph in 2022.
Beyond celebrating the championship, the service also focused on the journey ahead for the team and the wider UCU sports programme.
The university community prayed for the continued growth of the sports programme and for the athletes and coaches who have contributed to its success.
Particular attention was given to Martina Anyango, who played a central role in UCU’s championship run after being named the NBL Playoffs Most Valuable Player. Anyango is now set to continue her student-athlete journey in the United States, bringing her time with the Lady Canons to a new chapter.
The thanksgiving also included an offertory, allowing members of the team and the university community to participate in the service beyond the celebration of the trophy.
