Gayaza BC overpower Ashinaga 6-2 in season opener

Gayaza Baseball Club (BC) emerged champion of the 2026/27 Holiday Baseball Championship (HBC) series, beating Ashinaga 6-2 in the Independence Cup at the Uganda–Japan National Baseball Stadium in Gayaza on Sunday.

The match was the climax of the two-day tournament, which national umpire Martin Ogama said showcased the improving standard of baseball in the country.

"The level of the game is becoming more competitive with time. Keep training and play with purpose and strive to mix the sport with studies," Ogama advised the athletes at the prize-awarding ceremony.

The Independence Cup marked the opening of the new HBC season, which features several tournaments held around national and international holidays, organized annually by the community under the tag 'Uganda Baseball Community'.

Gayaza BC also won the Easter Tournament, the closing event of the 2025/26 HBC series.

Gayaza BC coach Joram Kayemba expressed satisfaction with his team's progress, which was capped by the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP), Rayan Nagojje.

"He was instrumental, an all-rounder in batting, pitching, and fielding, to inspire the team to victory. We are now focusing on the Thanksgiving Cup and the national championship in November," Kayemba said.

He added that scoring 32 runs across the four matches played, including the final, reflected the team's strong offensive performance.

HBC series organizer Gerald Kasozi praised the participating teams and called for more sponsors to support the forthcoming competitions.

"Teams meeting in such tournaments not only improve competitiveness but also raise the standard of baseball in the country, which fulfills part of our mission," Kasozi said.

He said that the next HBC series is the Thanksgiving tournament scheduled for November 21-22 to mark the American heritage in baseball.

Gayaza BC received a cash prize of sh300,000, while tournament MVP Nagojje earned sh50,000.