21 March 2014
UGANDA : UBL Out to Take Hoops By Storm
A new competition has joined Uganda's basketball calendar after the University Basketball League (UBL) was launched today.
The tournament, which began on a low-key three weeks ago, features ten tertiary institutions. These include Kisubi Brothers University College, Uganda Christian University (UCU), Makerere University, St Lawrence University, Cavendish University, Islamic University In Uganda, Ndejje University, Bugema University, Uganda Martys University and Kampala University. They have been split into ten men's teams and eight for the ladies.
A brainchild of Makerere University sports tutor Peninah Kabenge, the UBL rolled off amid confusion and complaints from the various stakeholders. But gradually, the storm has cleared, paving way for brighter future towards the development of basketball in the country.
So far, Ndejje University leads the way and remains unbeaten after last weekend's 55-53 win over rivals UCU. Local basketball body Fuba was initially at loggerheads with the organisers but after discussions, both sides ironed out the differences.
"As a federation, we will render full support, commitment and technical support to the running of the university league," says Fuba President Ambrose Tashobya.
Meanwhile, Nkumba University and Kampala International University (KIU) disagreed and pulled out. The two cite failure to have rules and relegations clearly stipulated.
That notwithstanding, National University Sports Federation of Uganda (Nusfu) Vice President Vincent Kisenyi told The Observer: "Nkumba and KIU informed us that they have some financial issues and wouldn't be taking part but we are still working with them and hopefully we will have them on board next year."
The tournament, which began on a low-key three weeks ago, features ten tertiary institutions. These include Kisubi Brothers University College, Uganda Christian University (UCU), Makerere University, St Lawrence University, Cavendish University, Islamic University In Uganda, Ndejje University, Bugema University, Uganda Martys University and Kampala University. They have been split into ten men's teams and eight for the ladies.
A brainchild of Makerere University sports tutor Peninah Kabenge, the UBL rolled off amid confusion and complaints from the various stakeholders. But gradually, the storm has cleared, paving way for brighter future towards the development of basketball in the country.
So far, Ndejje University leads the way and remains unbeaten after last weekend's 55-53 win over rivals UCU. Local basketball body Fuba was initially at loggerheads with the organisers but after discussions, both sides ironed out the differences.
"As a federation, we will render full support, commitment and technical support to the running of the university league," says Fuba President Ambrose Tashobya.
Meanwhile, Nkumba University and Kampala International University (KIU) disagreed and pulled out. The two cite failure to have rules and relegations clearly stipulated.
That notwithstanding, National University Sports Federation of Uganda (Nusfu) Vice President Vincent Kisenyi told The Observer: "Nkumba and KIU informed us that they have some financial issues and wouldn't be taking part but we are still working with them and hopefully we will have them on board next year."
# posted by afrbk : 18:59
