JKL Lady Dolphins claim silver at 2025 Genocide Memorial Tournament

JKL Lady Dolphins Match Results

Group Stage
JKL 96 EAUR 73
JKL 73 REG 80

Semi-Final
JKL 74 KPA 62

Finals
REG 65 Lady Dolphins 61

Uganda's JKL Lady Dolphins secured second place at the 2025 Genocide Memorial Tournament in Rwanda, a prestigious basketball event honoring victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

The competition, organised by the Rwanda Basketball Federation in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Rwanda National Olympic Committee, featured twelve elite teams from across East Africa.

The Dolphins demonstrated their strength early, dominating their group stage opener against East African University Rwanda with a commanding 96-73 victory. Hope Akello and Judith Aanyu led the charge, each contributing 18 points in a display of offensive firepower.

Despite a narrow 80-73 loss to Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in their second match, JKL advanced to the knockout stages, where they defeated Kenya Ports Authority 74-62 in a hard-fought semifinal.

The championship game saw a rematch against REG, with the Rwandan side emerging victorious in a tense 65-61 battle. Ssegujja Mima top-scored for JKL with 19 points, supported by Ritah Imanishimwe's all-around performance (14 points, 9 rebounds) and Evelyne Kiyingi's defensive intensity (6 steals). The team's efforts were recognized by Hon. Silas Aogon, MP for Kumi Municipality, who attended the final in support.

The tournament served as both a competitive platform and a memorial, paying tribute to athletes lost in the genocide, including basketball star Emmanuel "Gisembe" Ntarugera. The event also celebrated survivors like Aristide Mugabe, whose remarkable career with Rwanda's national team continues to inspire generations of players.

While falling just short of gold, the Lady Dolphins' silver medal performance showcased Uganda's growing basketball prowess on the regional stage, capping a tournament that blended elite competition with profound historical remembrance.