By Michael Ainomugisha
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Lady Canons successfully defended their Federation of African University Sports (FASU) Afro Varsity 3×3 Basketball Championship title after defeating United States International University (USIU-Africa) of Kenya 21–15 in the final held in Ibadan, Nigeria.
The victory crowned another dominant continental campaign for the Lady Canons and secured Africa’s qualification slot for the 2026 FISU University 3×3 World Cup scheduled for October in Macau, China.
Represented by Martina Anyango, Shillah Lamunu, Sylvia Nakituuka and Zoe Atek, UCU completed the tournament unbeaten. The team had earlier topped Pool B with victories over Afe Babalola University of Nigeria and the University of Abuja before progressing through the knockout rounds.
In the quarter-finals, the Lady Canons defeated Kisii University of Kenya 14–8 before overcoming Obafemi Awolowo University of Nigeria 16–7 in the semi-finals.
Their victory over USIU-Africa in the final marked the third consecutive year the two sides had met in the championship game. UCU once again emerged victorious to retain the continental crown.
The triumph continues UCU’s dominance in African university 3×3 basketball, and they will turn their attention to the FISU University 3×3 World Cup, where they will represent both Uganda and Africa.
Meanwhile, the UCU Canons narrowly missed out on a medal after falling to USIU-Africa in the men’s third-place playoff.
Represented by Joel Kayiira, Solomon Olara, Flore Dushime and Marvin Okurut, the Canons reached the semi-finals after finishing the group stage with two wins from three games and defeating Haute École de Commerce de Kinshasa (HEC) of the Democratic Republic of Congo 13–9 in the quarter-finals.
Their title hopes ended with a 19–13 defeat to hosts, the University of Ibadan, in the semi-finals.
In the bronze-medal game, UCU faced USIU-Africa but fell 21–13, leaving the Kenyan side to claim third place.
