UMU Flames defeat UPDF to alter relegation conversation

The UMU Flames made a 16-point comeback to defeat the UPDF Tomahawks 76-72 and send them to relegation zone on the table standings.

Avitus Ngabirano

May 11, 2026

3–4 minutes

2026 NBL, JKL Dolphins, Kampala Rockets, National Basketball League, umu Flames, UPDF Tomahawks

The relegation battle intensified on Saturday 9th May after the UMU Flames defeated the UPDF Tomahawks 76-72 at the Rezlife Park in Lubowa.

This was a very pivotal game in the relegation battle and the UMU Flames victory changes the dynamics of how things could end up.

Ahead of this game, the UPDF Tomahawks have lost their last 2 games to the KCCA Panthers and the JKL Dolphins. The UMU Flames had also lost their last 2 games against the Victoria Crocs and the Namuwongo Blazers. As thus, this was a very important game for both teams and whoever came out on top would have a huge advantage in relegation battle.

In the first quarter, UPDF started strong and took an early 16-point lead. However, in the final 4 minutes of the quarter, UMU limited the army side to just 3 points and the game was 25-12 at the end of the quarter.

In the second period, UMU Flames’ scoring increased. They buried 2 triples and 8 free throws and reduced the deficit to 9 points at the end of the half. The Flames weren’t done yet. They made a 14-3 start to the third quarter to take a 2-point lead. In the final 3 minutes of the quarter, they did not score a field goal and UPDF took the lead 61-59, with the final period left.

Once again, the UMU Flames got off to a wonderful start to the quarter. They made an 11-7 run to take a 7-point lead and UDPF was left chasing. Despite pushing for a comeback, UPDF ran out of time and the UMU Flames claimed a 76-72 victory.

What does this loss mean for UPDF?

In round one, UPDF won 3 games and were 1 win ahead of the UMU Flames, JKL Dolphins and the Kampala Rockets. However, they had lost to both the UMU Flames and the Kampala Rockets but secured an important win against the JKL Dolphins.

In round two, they won their opening game against the Kampala Rockets, moved to 4 wins, and most importantly took the tie breaker. However, they lost heavily to the JKL Dolphins and lost that tiebreaker. They had to make sure they win this game and also see if they could steal the tiebreaker but they unfortunately lost.

What this means for the UPDF Tomahawks is that if they end up tied with the JKL Dolphins or the Kampala Rockets or both, they will be bottom and relegation could be imminent. What they have to do now is make sure that they end up with a better record than any of the 2 teams and hope that the Kampala Rockets are last.

What does this win mean for the UMU Flames?

The UMU Flames finished with a 2-9 record in the first round with their 2 wins coming against the Kampala Rockets and the UPDF Tomahawks. In the second round so far, they have won 2 of their 4 games; against the JKL Dolphins and the UPDF Tomahawks.

They own the tiebreakers against the UPDF Tomahawks and the JKL Dolphins, which means that that if they end up tied with any of the 2 teams, they will be ahead of them. If they can secure the win against the Kampala Rockets, they will be in a very good place.

For the UMU Flames right now, their hopes are on winning the UMU Flames game and any other 2. That could be enough for them to survive being axed. However, if UPDF doesn’t win any other game, the UMU Flames survive.

Currently, the JKL dolphins are top of the 4 teams after winning 3 games in round 2 and moving to a 5-11 record. The UMU Flames are in 10th place with a 4-11 record tied with the UPDF Tomahawks in 11th while the Kampala Rockets are bottom with a 2-12 record.