Kampala, Uganda: The JKL Lady Dolphins cemented their place in Uganda’s basketball history with a fifth National Basketball League (NBL) Women’s title, after they edged JT Lady Jaguars 69–68 in a nail-biting finale at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday, November 2.
The victory adds to JKL’s previous championship wins in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024, reaffirming their dominance as the most successful women’s basketball team in recent Ugandan history.
How the final unfolded
The Lady Jaguars opened the game with intensity, racing to a 6–0 run and stretching their lead to 18–9 by the end of the first quarter. However, Hope Akello ignited the Lady Dolphins’ comeback in the second quarter, sinking back-to-back jump shots to narrow the deficit.
By halftime, the contest was evenly tied at 34–34.
After the break, the Lady Dolphins found their rhythm through Angella Zainah Lokwameri, who inspired a surge that put JKL 10 points ahead (55–45) entering the final quarter.
The closing moments turned tense as Rhoda Nagitta hit a clutch 3-pointer for the Jaguars, but JKL held firm to seal a dramatic 69–68 victory and lift the 2025 NBL crown.
Star performers
Captain Hope Akello led from the front with 14 points, while Ritah Imanishimwe and Becky Longom added 11 points each. For the Lady Jaguars, Brenda Kayaga top-scored with 24 points, with Mercy Batamuliza contributing 14 and Maimuna adding 10.
At the post-match ceremony, the Lady Dolphins were decorated with gold medals, the Lady Jaguars took silver, and UCU Lady Canons secured bronze.
Individual awards
- Hope Akello – MVP, Top Scorer, and Top Rebounder (478 points this season)
- Abigail Mpoza – Regular Season MVP
- Mercy Batamuliza – Defensive Player of the Year
- Hajjara Najjuko – Best 3-Point Shooter
- Nabisunsa Girls School – Fair Play Award
Men’s Finals: Blazers Edge Oilers
In the men’s NBL Finals, the Namuwongo Blazers took a 3–2 series lead after defeating defending champions City Oilers 71–68 in a thrilling encounter, also at Lugogo.
Anthony Chukwubuka Chukwurah’s free throws gave Blazers an early lead (25–23) before both teams battled to a 41–41 halftime tie.
The third quarter saw a physical contest, with Kurt Curry scoring for the Oilers before Joel Lukoji and James Okello responded for the Blazers, who led 58–54 entering the final period.
Despite a late Oilers rally, the Blazers held on for a narrow victory, led by James Okello’s 17 points, while Curry (15) and Chad Bowie (14) starred for the Oilers.
The result leaves the Blazers just one win away from claiming their maiden NBL championship title.
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