UCU Lady Canons defeated JT Lady Jaguars 63-49 in Game Five to win the 2026 NBL Finals 4-1 and secure a record ninth championship.
UCU Lady Canons underlined their status as the most successful team in Uganda’s women’s National Basketball League by defeating JT Lady Jaguars 63-49 to secure a record-extending ninth championship.
The Mukono-based side won Game Five at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Sunday, August 30, completing a 4-1 triumph in the best-of-seven finals. Their victory combined defensive discipline, rebounding strength, and decisive fourth-quarter scoring, providing a fitting conclusion to another impressive postseason.
UCU Complete a Dominant Finals Campaign
The Lady Canons established control of the series by winning the opening three games. They took Game One 50-35, edged a much tighter Game Two 65-61 and moved within one victory of the championship by winning Game Three 68-63.
JT refused to accept a sweep and responded with a commanding 72-52 victory in Game Four. That result gave the Lady Jaguars renewed confidence and forced UCU to return for a fifth contest, but the experienced champions produced an emphatic answer.
| Finals game | Result |
| Game One | UCU 50-35 JT |
| Game Two | UCU 65-61 JT |
| Game Three | UCU 68-63 JT |
| Game Four | JT 72-52 UCU |
| Game Five | UCU 63-49 JT |
| Final series | UCU won 4-1 |
Lady Jaguars Make the Stronger Start
JT began Game Five with determination as Bridget Aber, Brenda Kayaga, Maimuna Nabbosa and Sandra Wangeshi combined to establish a 15-12 advantage after the opening quarter.
The second period remained closely contested, but UCU gradually changed the game’s direction. Contributions from Zoe Atek, Sylvia Nantongo, Lovi Malaika Najjuko and Sarah Namale helped the Lady Canons move 24-23 ahead by halftime.
Third-Quarter Shooting Changes the Contest
UCU began creating meaningful separation during the third quarter. Atek and Martinah Anyango each converted two three-pointers, while Shillah Lamunu added another from long range as the champions stretched their lead to 46-42.
JT scored only seven fourth-quarter points, with Kayaga contributing five and Nabbosa adding two. UCU answered with 17 points through Mariam Namukwaya, Lamunu, Anyango, Namale and Atek, steadily pulling away before celebrating a comfortable 14-point victory.
Martinah Anyango Delivers an MVP Performance
Anyango produced the defining individual performance, finishing with a game-high 15 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. Her contribution in the deciding game completed an outstanding playoff campaign and earned her the 2026 NBL Women’s Most Valuable Player award.
Lamunu and Atek added 12 points each, while Atek also recorded a game-high six assists. Kayaga and Nabbosa led the Lady Jaguars with 14 points apiece, but their scoring could not overcome UCU’s greater collective influence.
The Game Five numbers reported by Kawowo Sports highlighted the physical difference between the teams. UCU won the rebounding battle 59-47 and registered eight blocks to JT’s one. The Jaguars recorded nine steals against UCU’s five and committed fewer turnovers, 16 compared with 19, but they could not convert those advantages into enough points.
Natuhereza’s UCU Dynasty Grows Stronger
The ninth championship represents another major achievement for head coach Nicholas Natuhereza, whose leadership, player development and consistency have made UCU a perennial contender.
The Lady Canons previously captured the title in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2022. Their latest success followed a postseason in which they swept KIU Rangers in the quarterfinals before eliminating KCCA Leopards 3-1 in the semifinals.
More Finals Heartbreak for JT Lady Jaguars
For coach Sudi Ulanga and the Lady Jaguars, the defeat brought a second consecutive season as runners-up. Their Game Four victory demonstrated character and prevented a clean sweep, but the decisive match exposed the improvements still required to win a first national championship.
JT competed strongly for three quarters before their offence stalled under pressure. Turning competitive performances into consistent execution during decisive periods will be central to their next title challenge.
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Conclusion
UCU’s ninth title was built on experience, teamwork and the ability to perform when the pressure intensified. Anyango supplied the individual excellence, but the Lady Canons’ rebounding, defensive protection and balanced fourth-quarter scoring ultimately decided Game Five.
The championship further strengthens UCU’s unmatched legacy in Ugandan women’s basketball. JT remain credible challengers, but the 2026 finals again showed that defeating the Lady Canons over an entire series requires sustained quality from the opening tip to the final buzzer.
