Screenshot
The UCU Lady Canons emerged as the most improved team in the second round of last season’s National Basketball League (NBL) women’s top-flight campaign.
Apart from a surprise defeat to the KIU Rangers — widely blamed on complacency — they looked the strongest side heading into the playoffs. Sport, however, rarely follows script.
Despite their form, UCU fell 3–2 in a gripping best-of-five semi-final series against the experienced JKL Lady Dolphins. Even so, as the 2026 season tips off this Friday, February 6, the Lady Canons appear well positioned to mount a serious title charge and could be favourites to secure a record-extending ninth championship.
Forward Zoe Atek, who featured in her debut NBL season last year, admitted the disappointment of falling short of the finals still lingers.
“It’s true we struggled in the first round, but in the second round we played very good basketball,” Atek said.
“We were confident we could win the title, although we knew JKL were a formidable side. Their experience showed in the end.” Atek believes that painful exit has become a valuable learning experience.
Heading into 2026, she says the team returns stronger and with greater belief in its ability. While JKL’s craft — particularly Hope Akello’s dominance in the post — exposed UCU’s biggest weakness, there were also key moments where the Lady Canons could have executed better.
Assistant coach Emmanuel Kiguyi echoed that view, pointing to missed opportunities in crucial moments.
“In pressure situations, we didn’t execute our plays as well as we normally do,” Kiguyi said.
“We lost the semi-final series by just a few points, after missing many easy scoring chances.”
Experience ultimately proved decisive, with JKL boasting a deeper pool of proven stars. Yet UCU’s growth over the past year cannot be ignored. The squad has endured key moments together, including winning the Inter-University Games in December — an achievement that further strengthened their bond.
Players such as Sylvia Nakituuka, Martina Anyango, Zoe Atek, Sylvia Nantongo and Shilla Lamunu have all shown significant development.
With much of the core having played together for an extended period, UCU enter the new season with rare chemistry — an advantage few women’s teams can match. Couple that cohesion with their athleticism, and the Lady Canons are capable of overwhelming opponents.
Still, they are not without weaknesses. Last season, one major issue was their heavy reliance on point guard Shilla Lamunu. Throughout the playoffs, Lamunu averaged 37 minutes per game, rarely getting a chance to rest.
The workload inevitably took its toll. While she has matured into a reliable ball-handler, Lamunu was also more productive as a scoring shooting guard earlier in her career — a role partially sacrificed due to her expanded responsibilities.
Kiguyi explained that injuries forced the team’s hand, leaving Lamunu with little relief. That situation, however, is expected to change this season, with Ciela Igiraneza and Mariam Namukwaya providing much-needed depth in the backcourt.
If UCU can manage minutes better and build on last season’s lessons, the Lady Canons may finally turn promise into silverware.
About the Author
