The inaugural Kira8 Basketball Tournament delivered an unforgettable experience for Uganda’s basketball fraternity. Despite being its first edition, the tournament set the bar remarkably high, leaving fans and teams already anticipating a bigger and better second edition. Eight elite teams competed for titles and honors, embodying intense competition, skill, and true sportsmanship. By the close of play at 8:30 pm, the top performers had clearly emerged.

Men’s Category

Champions: UCU Canons

The UCU Canons produced one of the tournament’s most impressive runs. After appearing headed for the Challenger Cup, the Canons surged back into contention by defeating the Victoria Crocs to finish second in Group B and qualify for the semifinals against the Blazers. Powered by outstanding performances from Joel Kayira, they overcame the Blazers to reach the final, where disciplined defense proved decisive. The Canons edged the JT Black Jaguars by two points to claim the Kira8 Championship.

They received UGX 3,000,000, championship medals, and the tournament’s top honor. Joel Kayira was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) and awarded UGX 100,000.

First Runners-Up: JT Black Jaguars

The Black Jaguars finished the tournament with a strong 5–2 record, suffering defeats only to the Blazers in the group stages and the UCU Canons in a tightly contested final. Their consistency earned them UGX 2,000,000, a runners-up trophy, and medals.

Second Runners-Up: Solid Skills

Solid Skills topped Group B and showcased excellent teamwork throughout the tournament. After falling to the JT Black Jaguars in the semifinals, they bounced back to defeat the Blazers in the third-place playoff. They earned UGX 1,000,000, medals, and the third-place trophy.

Challenger Cup Winners: Victoria Crocs

The Victoria Crocs claimed the Challenger Cup, earning UGX 800,000, medals, and a trophy in recognition of their competitive performance.

Top 5 Men’s All-Star Team – Kira8 Tournament

  1. Aaron Ebonyu – JT Jaguars
  2. Henry Ssebagala – Namuwongo Blazers
  3. Wanyoto Arthur – Namuwongo Blazers
  4. Chol Thon – Namuwongo Blazers
  5. Chuol Nyout – Victoria University

Women’s Category

Champions: JT Lady Jaguars

The JT Lady Jaguars were the standout team of the women’s competition, going unbeaten throughout the tournament. In a thrilling final, they edged the JKL Dolphins by a single point to secure the title. The Lady Jaguars walked away with UGX 3,000,000, the championship trophy, and Kira8 medals, becoming the first-ever women’s champions of the Kira8 Tournament.

First Runners-Up: JKL Dolphins

Despite missing several regular squad members, the Dolphins delivered an impressive campaign. Led by Tamasha and former Lady Jaguar Ruth Letaru, they remained unbeaten until the final. They received UGX 2,000,000, a runners-up trophy, and silver medals.

Second Runners-Up: Victoria She Crocs

The Victoria She Crocs secured third place after defeating the UPDF L’T Hawks. Their efforts were rewarded with UGX 1,000,000, bronze medals, and a third-place trophy.

Challenger Cup Winners: UCU Lady Canons

The UCU Lady Canons won the Women’s Challenger Cup after defeating the Junior Lady Jaguars, earning UGX 800,000 for their performance.

Your #Kira8 Women’s All-Star 5 ⭐

  1. Tamasha Nsubuga – JKL Dolphins
  2. Uwineza Ninette – Victoria She Crocs
  3. Stella Marris Lunkuse – UPDF Tomahawks
  4. Shiprah Kiranda – JKL Dolphins
  5. Mercy Batamuliza – JT Jaguars

Management appreciates the other teams that took part in the competition and hopes to see them again come the second edition.