JKL Lady Dolphins reaffirmed their dominance in Ugandan women’s basketball, clinching a fifth National Basketball League title after edging JT Lady Jaguars 69–68 in a tense Playoffs final at Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday.
The victory, adding to titles won in 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024, cements JKL’s legacy as one of the most successful women’s basketball teams in the country.
The final was a rollercoaster. The Lady Jaguars came out flying, racing to a 6–0 start and leading 18–9 at the end of the first quarter.
But JKL’s experienced core refused to back down. Finals MVP Hope Akello ignited the comeback with back to back jumpers in the second quarter, and by halftime, the game was tied 34–34.
After the break, Angella Zainah Lokwameri led a third-quarter surge that saw JKL pull ahead by 10 (55–45).
The Jaguars, however, fought back fiercely, closing the gap in the dying minutes.
With the game on the line, Rhoda Nagitta buried a decisive three-pointer to give JKL the one point edge that sealed their championship repeat.
Akello led by example with 14 points, while Ritah Imanishimwe and Becky Longom added 11 apiece.
For the valiant Jaguars, Brenda Kayaga scored a game high 24 points, with Mercy Batamuliza and Maimuna adding 14 and 10 respectively.
As the final buzzer sounded, JKL’s bench erupted in celebration, a mix of relief, pride, and joy.
Head coach Henry Malinga and players hailed the win as a product of unity, hard work and experience under pressure.
Award Winners
• Champions (Gold): JKL Lady Dolphins
• Runners-up (Silver): JT Lady Jaguars
• Bronze: UCU Lady Canons
• MVP (Finals & Top Scorer): Hope Akello (478 points)
• Regular Season MVP: Abigail Mpoza
• Top Rebounder: Hope Akello
• Defensive Player: Mercy Batamuliza
• Best Five: Evelyn Nakiyingi, Shillah Lamunu, Abigail Mpoza, Hope Akello, Mercy Batamuliza
• Best 3-Point Shooter: Hajjara Najjuko
• Fair Play Award: Nabisunsa Girls
