UCU Canons tip off 2025 season with renewed ambitions
Last season, the Canons secured third place after a hard-fought 65-62 victory over the Namuwongo Blazers in the playoff.
UCU Canons tip off 2025 season with renewed ambitions
By Chrispus Baluku
Journalists @New Vision
National Basketball league (NBL)
Wednesday, March 26
UCU Canons vs Kampala Rockets
(Lugogo)
Blazers vs Victoria Crocs
(ABJA Park)
Livingston vs JKL Dolphins ( YMCA , wandegeya)
The UCU Canons will launch their 2025 National Basketball League (NBL) campaign against the Kampala Rockets on Wednesday, March 26, at 9:00 PM at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
Despite losing several key players in the offseason, Head Coach Nicholas Natuhereza remains confident in his revamped squad.
“We’ve brought in new talent and are focused on building chemistry through game time,” Natuhereza said. “The more they play together, the stronger we’ll become.”
Last season, the Canons secured third place after a hard-fought 65-62 victory over the Namuwongo Blazers in the playoff. This year, they aim to climb even higher—despite the departures of stars like Kevin Kasobya (Kampala Rockets), Jerry Kayanga, Peter Sifuma (JT Jaguars), and Abraham Isiayagi.
To fill the void, UCU has reinforced its roster with new additions:
- Point guards: Ariho Amara (Livingstone), Muganzi Daniel (Watoto), Dushime Flore (Burundi)
- Power forwards: Lihumi Jimmy (Sommet), Tadeo Onyango
- Center: Nigerian import Chiedozie Raluchukwu
Blazers vs. Crocs: Battle of Early Surprises
In another exciting matchup, the Namuwongo Blazers—fresh off a thrilling 81-80 upset over defending champions City Oilers—will face the newly promoted Victoria Crocs at ABJA Park.
The Blazers’ season-opening win, played before a packed Lugogo crowd, sent a strong message about their playoff ambitions. Meanwhile, the Crocs announced their arrival in the NBL with a gritty 51-48 victory over the Kampala Rockets.
With both teams riding high, this clash promises to be a key early-season test.
JKL Dolphins, Livingston Seek Redemption
Elsewhere, Livingston and the JKL Dolphins will battle for their first wins after tough opening losses.
The Dolphins fell 76-59 to Sommet, while Livingston was overpowered 73-46 by a dominant JT Jaguars side. Both teams will be desperate to bounce back and avoid an early slump.