KAMPALA — KCCA Netball Club captain Shafie Nalwanjja insists the race for the 2026 title remains wide open despite the defending champions strengthening their credentials with a hard-fought 42–36 victory over rivals NIC on Saturday.
KCCA produced a disciplined performance under the floodlights at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, controlling three of the four quarters to secure a third consecutive victory over their rivals.
“We expected the game to be too physical the way it was, so we came prepared for that physicality,” Nalwanjja said after the match.
The victory was particularly significant for KCCA, who are chasing back-to-back league titles, with NIC among the teams expected to challenge for the crown.
“The win means a lot in this title race. NIC is among the season contenders, so winning against them gives us an edge,” she added.
However, Nalwanjja was quick to temper expectations, stressing that KCCA cannot afford to become complacent this early in the campaign.
“The title is still far from reach. This is still the first round. We need to work hard till the final bend of the season if we are to defend this title,” she said.
KCCA led 13–10 after the opening quarter and extended their advantage by taking the second 10–9.
The third quarter ended 8–8 before the champions finished strongly, winning the final period 11–9 to seal the six-goal victory.
Despite missing influential shooter Shadia Nassanga Ssegujja, popularly known as Miima, through injury, KCCA found capable replacements in Mercy Bamutariza and Faisha Nakagolo, who spearheaded an effective attacking display.
Margret Bagaala and Brenda Nakazibwe provided control through the centre court, while Nalwanjja and Christine Nakito worked relentlessly to disrupt NIC’s attacking combinations.
NIC were also depleted, missing injured Lillian Achola and Fildaus Namulema, while Victo Nantumbwe was unavailable, leaving Nanyonga with increased responsibility in attack.
The result moved KCCA to third on 14 points from seven matches, three games behind leaders UCU and second-placed Weyonje.
Prisons also have 14 points from seven matches but occupy fourth on goal difference, while NIC slipped to fifth with 12 points.
KCCA and Prisons remain the league’s only unbeaten sides.
The victory also extended KCCA’s recent dominance over NIC, following narrow wins of 40–39 and 45–42 in their two meetings during the 2025/26 season.
Saturday’s Results
KCCA 42–36 NIC
Weyonje 48–34 Posta
Prisons 50–35 Buddo SS
Police 44–33 Dynamite
UPDF 43–41 Kajjansi Progressive
Kajjansi Progressive 43–40 UGX Luweero
