The KIU Rangers made it to the 2023 NBL Finals and there was a lot of hope in them potentially winning their first Championship in the following years. However, things have not looked good since then.
In 2024, they were eliminated in the semi-finals and also lost the third place game which was filled with drama.
2025 was worse. The Rangers were eliminated in the quarter-finals by the UCU Lady Canons but the difference between these 2 teams was vivid.
Despite the KIU Rangers having been the only team to defeat UCU in the second round, they were no match for them and the series ended in a 2-0 sweep.
Ahead of the 2026 NBL season, the situation looks worse. Some of the players who had served the club for a number of years departed but the replacements are shaky.
When you look at the current KIU Rangers team, we only point to two (2) players, Sharon Kirabo and Ines Kanyamuneza. These two are among the best players in the country but are they enough to send the KIU Rangers to the playoffs?
The New signings
KIU let go of players like Namulema Fildauce, Racheal Nanyonga, Elizabeth Aguti, Patience Karungi and even Sarah Yaweh. Those players helped a lot and if you are keen, you will notice that most of them are guards.
Ines, Kirabo and Fildauce were all playing 30+ minutes while the rest used to be rotated. This time though, KIU has a very large squad but the quality and experience is questionable.
The point guard position could be a very big menace for them. They signed some youngsters, Ayot Gift and Lakareber Joan from Seeta. The two have played in Division One but to be honest, they are very tiny and this is a very big stage for them at the moment more so if they are to lead from the point guard position.
Another point guard is Nambuya Racheal who was playing for Pearl Queens in the 2025 Division One Season. Racheal came off the bench in a few games here and there. If she wasn’t good enough to start and play heavily in the Division One, do you believe she can lead you to the NBL playoffs? As things look, she could be that person that starts in the number one position.
Another person is Maria Kelly Ndagire who was in KIU before but played for Kampala University in the last Division One Season. Her case is similar to Nambuya’s. She usually came off the bench and if you can’t be trusted in Division One, then the NBL will be hard for you.
The one player that the KIU Rangers should be excited about is Anena Cinderella Charity who has improved tremendously. In 2024, she and a couple of other players were sent out on loan from KIU.
In 2025, she played for Pearl Queens in Division One and boy oh boy did she perform. Her work rate was insane and the hunger to keep improving helped her. She will be a problem to some teams in the paint.
Maybe, the Rangers may also be slightly excited for Esther Marion who has a lot of experience. She has played in the NBL and Division One for a number of years and can help be a part of the leadership group.
Will the KIU Rangers make the playoffs?
When you see the team as presently constructed, it is very hard to see them go very far. However, it is important to remember that they have 2 of the best players in the country.
If Ines and Kirabo can produce at an incredible rate, then it will probably be a number 7 or 8 finish. However, if they don’t, there is a high chance that we see them finishing 9 or 10.
KIU has to find a solution for the Point guard role as Ines’ strength (shooting) will be underutilized if she is the primary ball handler.
Team
- Aber Sarafina Daisy
- Esther Marion
- Ayot Gracious Gift
- Lakareber Joan
- Kirabo Sharon Nangobi
- Akanyo Winnifred
- Nanyonga Sylivia Florence
- Patricia Alado
- Maria Kelly Ndagire
- Nambuya Racheal
- Anena Cindealla Charity
- Namulema Magdalene
- Nanfuka Setella
- Kanyamuneeza Ines
- Akidi Regina Obwor
- Alesi Hope Musimenta
- Nantubwe Joan
- Yasimine Hussien
The KIU Rangers open their season with a game against Nabisunsa on Sunday 8th February at the Lugogo Indoor Arena with tip-off at 12:00 pm. This will be the first ‘big’ test for them.
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