The 2024 Uganda National Hockey League kicked off with a bang on March 16th, 2024, at the Lugogo Hockey grounds. The opening match saw KHC Swans dominating Thunders with an impressive 14-1 victory.

Despite missing key players Sanne Swinkells, Winnie Alaro, and Lucky Akello (last season’s top scorer and MVP), the defending champions showcased their prowess with an astounding scoreline.

Meanwhile, in another fixture of the day, Makerere suffered a defeat at the hands of the Rockets, with a final score of 6-2.

Continuing into Sunday, gameweek one fixtures unfolded with Wananchi HDF securing a 3-1 win against Deliverance Church. Notable among the matchups was the clash between HC Badgers and City Lions. Badgers, bolstered by the addition of talented attackers Ronnie Akiira, Shafic Abdul, and William Mark Ojok, all signed by City Lions, faced their former club. Additionally, they acquired James Larombi, a dynamic young attacker from Wananchi, popularly known as Junior.

Despite high expectations from fans, Badgers entertained spectators with their attacking prowess, ultimately clinching a hard-fought 1-0 victory thanks to a brilliant tomahawk effort by Shafic Abdul in the 56th minute.

In other Sunday fixtures, defending men’s champions Weatherhead showcased their dominance with a commanding 10-1 victory over Originals. Thunders also emerged victorious, defeating Weatherhead Titans with a convincing 4-1 scoreline.