By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University basketball teams managed a successful weekend, with back-to-back wins as UCU Canons bounced back from two consecutive defeats against KCCA Panthers and City Oilers with a strong second-half display to defeat Sommet 67–55 in a National Basketball League fixture played on 15 May 2026 at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The Mukono side struggled early and found themselves trailing through most of the first half. Sommet took the opening quarter 15–8 before extending the lead with a 17–9 second-quarter run to head into halftime with a comfortable 32–17 advantage.
But the game changed completely after the break.
Coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s side returned with renewed intensity on both ends of the floor. UCU outscored Sommet 27–15 in the third quarter before sealing the comeback with a dominant 23–8 fourth quarter performance.
The Canons scored 50 points in the second half alone, while Sommet managed only 23.
Marvin Okurut led UCU with 14 points, while Jimmy Otim added 12. Zachariah Ekirapa and Flore Dushime also reached double figures with 11 points each.
Earlier in the Women’s National Basketball League, UCU Lady Canons defeated Magic Stormers 57–42.
The Lady Canons took charge after halftime, outscoring the Stormers 19–12 in the third quarter before closing strongly with a 13–5 fourth-quarter display.
Matrina Anyango recorded a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Mariam Namukwaya added 13 points.
For Magic Stormers, Daphine Adong scored 17 points, while Joy Nekesa Mupalia posted a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.
On Sunday, 17 May, both UCU sides extended their winning runs at Lugogo Indoor Arena.
The Lady Canons recovered from a slow start to defeat Nabisunsa. UCU trailed 13–10 after the first quarter but responded with 19 points in the second to stay in control before dominating the second half. The Lady Canons scored 23 and 21 points in the final two quarters while limiting Nabisunsa to 11 and 16 respectively.
Later in the afternoon, the UCU Canons delivered one of their most complete performances of the season with a commanding 77–48 victory over JKL Dolphins.
Returning captain Ibanda Lwabanga registered 11 points and seven rebounds, while Zachariah Ekirapa posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. Alier Pech added 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Jimmy Otim continued his consistent second-round form with another 16-point outing.
UCU controlled the game throughout, taking the first quarter 16–14 before pulling away with a dominant 24–9 second quarter. They maintained control in the second half, winning the third and fourth quarters 19–13 and 18–12 respectively to seal the victory.
