Akello’s exit opens door for new stars in Uganda’s NBL MVP race

With Hope Akello’s move to Moroccan side Majd Tanja Basketball Club last year, Ugandan women’s basketball enters the 2026 National Basketball League (NBL) season facing a wide-open race for the Most Valuable Player award.

Akello had dominated the league for three consecutive seasons, setting a high standard with her consistency and all-around play.

In 2025, she was named Playoffs MVP after leading in scoring and rebounds, finishing among the top five in assists and steals, and posting the league’s best efficiency. She averaged 15.3 points, 12 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.

Her impact was equally felt in 2024, when she won the league MVP and guided her team to the championship with averages of 11.9 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.5 steals. She repeated the MVP feat the following season, producing 12.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Akello’s departure has now created space for new stars to step into the spotlight.

The contenders

The 2026 NBL season tips off in a few weeks, and with Akello gone, the MVP race promises to be fiercely competitive. Several players have already emerged as strong candidates.

Mpoza Abigail enters the season as a frontrunner. The Nabisunsa guard, last year’s MVP, played a pivotal role in helping her team avoid relegation. She finished as the league’s top scorer, averaging nearly 20 points per game. Her versatility—able to operate as both a ball handler and wing—makes her indispensable to Nabisunsa.

Mercy Batamuliza is another serious contender. The 2025 Defensive Player of the Year has earned back-to-back Team of the Season honors. Renowned for her rebounding, she has steadily improved her scoring and passing. Despite limited experience, her growth has been remarkable, and she is now a guaranteed starter.

Tracy Namugosa brings flair and scoring power. The reigning FISU University 3×3 World Cup MVP is a proven game-changer. Her ball handling improved significantly with the UCU Lady Canons, and she thrives under pressure. Her defensive effort and relentless work rate earned her a spot on the Gazelles squad for the 2025 Afrobasket.

Martina Anyango has also emerged as a strong candidate. After gaining international exposure in 2025, she refined her footwork and finishing in the paint. Now one of the league’s top interior performers, she is a key figure for the UCU Lady Canons.

Shillah Lamunu continues her rise. Following a busy 2025 on the international 3×3 circuit, she returned as a more complete player. She logged heavy minutes for the Lady Canons and was their most influential presence. Lamunu controls the game offensively and is a strong defender, as demonstrated in Uganda’s Afrobasket Zone V clash against Egypt.

Uwineza Ninette rounds out the list. The experienced point guard was the league’s best in her position last season. Calm and vocal, she provides leadership on and off the court, guiding her teammates with poise and deep knowledge of the game. Her presence makes her an invaluable asset to any roster.

A new era

With Akello gone, the 2026 NBL season ushers in a new era of competition. The MVP race is no longer a foregone conclusion but a battle among rising stars and established leaders. Fans can expect a season defined by intensity, unpredictability, and the emergence of fresh talent ready to carry Ugandan women’s basketball forward.