UMU Flames celebrate debut survival, vow to strengthen for next season

After successfully retaining their place in the National Basketball League (NBL) in their debut season, Uganda Martyrs University Nkozi (UMU) Flames have set their sights on achieving even more next season.

The Nkozi-based side celebrated the achievement on Saturday at Equator Wavah Restaurant in Kayabwe, Mpigi District, where university leaders, players and technical staff reflected on a memorable campaign.

UMU Deputy Vice Chancellor Rev. Fr. Dr. Christopher Mukidi praised the team for exceeding expectations and promised greater support ahead of the new season.

The Flames earned promotion to the NBL from Division One last year and managed to avoid relegation in their first season among Uganda’s top basketball teams.

“We have many reasons to celebrate this team,” Mukidi said. “First, they earned promotion to the NBL and then they managed to stay up in their debut season. Those are two major achievements and we are proud of them.”

Mukidi explained that the university is committed to growing sports programmes beyond football. He noted that the institution has already invested in football scholarships and has now expanded similar support to basketball.

“It has always been our dream to diversify sports at UMU,” he said. “We started with football, rugby, athletics, volleyball and now we have extended our support to basketball. We shall continue exploring other sports disciplines in the future.”

Looking ahead, Mukidi revealed plans to strengthen the squad by recruiting experienced players while also improving the welfare of both players and coaches.

“The team has mainly been built around students, but to compete at a higher level we need experienced players. We shall also look at improving facilitation so that the team can perform even better,” he added.

Head coach Gerald Otim, who guided the Flames to promotion and later secured their survival in the NBL, described the past two seasons as challenging but rewarding.

“There have been many lessons along the way,” Otim said. “I have learned how to manage games, mentor players and remain positive after defeats. Those lessons will help us as we aim for higher positions next season.”

Otim also welcomed management’s commitment to strengthening the squad and retaining key players who are attracting interest from bigger clubs.

Team captain Joshua Duallo believes the experience gained this season will help the Flames improve next year.

“We lacked NBL experience when we arrived from Division One, and that affected us,” Duallo said. “But as the season went on, we learned a lot. With a few experienced additions, I believe we can challenge for playoff places next season.”

UMU Flames finished ninth on the 12-team table with 28 points from 22 matches.