The UCU Lady Canons closed their 2025 National Basketball League campaign on a high, clinching third place after defeating Magic Stormers 69–55 in the bronze medal game at Lugogo.
For a team that has defined excellence in Ugandan women’s basketball for over a decade, the season may not have ended in another championship, but it reaffirmed their enduring spirit and legacy.
The Lady Canons showed true grit after their semifinal heartbreak against JKL Lady Dolphins, overturning a first-half deficit to power past the Stormers with a dominant second-half display. Trailing 30–28 at the break, UCU returned revitalized, using their superior depth and defensive pressure to outscore their opponents and secure a comfortable 16-point victory.
Sarah Namale was once again the heartbeat of the team, posting an impressive double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Zoe Atek and Sylvia Nakituuka contributed crucial points off the bench. For the Stormers, Joy Nekesa Mupalia’s valiant 18-point, 10-rebound performance was not enough to prevent defeat.
After the game, head coach Nicholas Natuhereza praised his side’s mentality and long-standing consistency. “It wasn’t the finish we aimed for, but this team showed character. They fought, stayed together, and proved that UCU Lady Canons never back down,” he said.
He added that the bronze medal is a reminder of the team’s strength and continuity. “We’ve made the semifinals for over ten straight seasons. That speaks volumes about our program’s stability and work ethic. We’ll regroup, rebuild, and come back next year stronger and hungrier for our ninth national title.”
The Mukono-based giants, with a record eight national championships, remain Uganda’s most decorated women’s basketball side. Even as their rivals JKL Lady Dolphins continue to rise, the Lady Canons’ dominance, depth, and winning culture still make them the standard-bearers of women’s basketball in the country.
