It was a memorable and exciting day for Prisons Netball Club as the Queens produced two brilliant performances to defeat rivals NIC 45-41 before humiliating Kenya’s Red Perils 77-22 to finish top of Pool A in style at the East African Netball Club Championship.
The victory over NIC was especially emotional and important for the Queens, who had not beaten the bankers in three years. Whenever the two sides meet, the match is always intense, physical, and full of drama, with NIC usually emerging victorious in recent meetings.
But this time, the prisoners arrived with a different spirit.
The Queens entered the tournament without some of their key and experienced players, including Lillian Ajio, Sylvia Nanyonga, and Viola Asingo, among others. Despite their absence, the youthful Prisons side showed incredible character, teamwork, and determination throughout the day.
Apart from experienced stars Christine Namulumba Kango and Malisera Akello, the rest of the starting team was largely made up of young players eager to prove themselves on the big stage — and they did exactly that.
From the very first whistle against NIC, Prisons looked sharper, quicker, and hungrier. Their passing was smooth, their defence aggressive, and their movement across the court kept NIC chasing the game for long periods.
The Prison Queens took control early and finished the first quarter leading 15-9 as the crowd inside the arena erupted with excitement.
NIC tried to respond in the second quarter, increasing the pressure and physicality of the contest, but Prisons remained calm and disciplined. Every time NIC threatened a comeback, the Queens answered immediately through sharp attacking play and accurate shooting to maintain a 22-19 halftime lead.
The third quarter brought even more tension as the game became faster and more intense. The noise from the fans grew louder with every interception, turnover, and goal. Yet, prisons never surrendered their lead, ending the quarter ahead 34-29.
In the final quarter, NIC pushed hard to rescue the game, but the Queens showed maturity and composure under pressure. Strong defending, smart game management, and clinical finishing helped Prisons close out a famous 45-41 victory.
Goal Attack Aisha Nakuya was one of the most impressive players on the court. Her movement, creativity, passing, and calmness under pressure gave Prisons control in attack throughout the game. She linked brilliantly with Goal Shooter Christine Namulumba Kango, who remained deadly in front of goal and consistently punished NIC’s defence with accurate shooting.
Wing Attack Joan Reykoboth also delivered an outstanding performance. Her speed, intelligent movement, and accurate distribution helped Prisons transition smoothly from defence to attack. She covered every corner of the court with energy and confidence, keeping the team’s rhythm alive from start to finish.
In defence, Carol Abalo, Malisera Akello, and Evelyn Ayitasi frustrated NIC with tight marking, important interceptions, and relentless pressure.
The starting lineup featured Carol Abalo (WD), Malisera Akello (GD), Evelyn Ayitasi (GK), Nashim Khadala (C), Aisha Nakuya (GA), Christine Namulumba Kango (GS), and Joan Reykoboth (WA).
The substitutes included Patience Damulira, Hadija Nakabuuye, Joyce Nakibuule, Stella Nanfuka, and Zela Nathama Sumaiyah.
Later in the evening, the Prisons Queens returned to the court full of confidence and completed a perfect day with a commanding 77-22 victory over Kenya’s Red Perils.
It was total dominance from the opening whistle to the final second. Prisons attacked with speed, defended aggressively, and moved the ball beautifully across the court as Red Perils struggled to match the intensity and quality of the Queens.
The massive victory helped Prisons Netball Club leapfrog NIC and finish top of Pool A, sending a strong warning to the rest of the tournament ahead of the semi-finals.
The Prisons Netball Club has a rich history of success, having won the Uganda National Netball League four times and the East African Netball Club Championship twice. With their current form, determination, and fearless young squad, the Queens are clearly determined to add more trophies to their cabinet and leave a strong mark on this year’s competition.
