By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University’s (UCU) Lady Canons have advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 FISU University World Cup 3×3 Basketball after winning two of their three matches on Friday, 23 October, in Macao, China.
The Lady Canons recovered from a 19–10 defeat to Canada’s Carleton University in their opening Pool B match to register a commanding 21–5 victory over hosts of the University of Macau.
The win secured UCU a place in the Round of 16, where they defeated the University of Chile 12–8 to advance to the last eight.
Head coach Nicholas Natuhereza acknowledged his side’s difficult start but was pleased with their response in the subsequent matches.
“Obviously, after a shaky start against Carleton, I’m glad we found our way and managed to win the two games that got us into the quarter-finals,” Natuhereza said.
“We rest tomorrow as we prepare for the quarters against an opponent we shall know by the end of tomorrow.”
UCU, who won bronze at last year’s competition in Brasília, Brazil, are seeking to improve on that finish and reach their first World Cup final.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Natuhereza said the team was determined to build on last year’s performance, when UCU became the first African university team to finish on the competition’s podium.
“Obviously, we felt that we were so close. Those games were really close. We could have finished second or even first the last time round,” he said.
“Hopefully, we want to be in the finals and have a chance to compete for the number one spot. It won’t be easy, but that’s what the target is.”
The four-player squad comprises Shillah Aber Lamunu, Sylvia Nakituuka, Sylvia Nantongo, and Zoe Atek.
UCU will have Saturday, 24 October, to recover and prepare for the quarter-finals, scheduled for Sunday, 25 October, at 6 a.m. East African Time, at the Ruins of St Paul’s in Macao.
Their quarter-final opponents will be determined following Saturday’s matches.
