Mary Moses Amaniyo, a former KIU Rangers player, has gotten off to a flying start in the 2026-27 NCAA season. Her side, University of Texas El Paso (UTEP) has won both their opening games of the season and she has been key part of their success so far.

In the first 2 games, Amaniyo has scored in double digits and most importantly helped her team win. In the season opener against the Western New Mexico Mustangs, Amaniyo put up 10 points, 6 rebounds,3 assists and 2 blocks as her team won 100-64.

UTEP defeated Incarnate Word Cardinals, 74-68, in their second game and once again, Amaniyo played a big part. She registered 13 points and 5 rebounds. In the 2 games, Amaniyo has been efficient from the field. She has made 10 of her 14 attempts from the field.

Growth

Mary Amaniyo is marking her third season with UTEP. In 2024/25, she averaged just 11 minutes registered 2.8 points and 3.5 rebounds. The following season, her minutes doubled and her production increased. She averaged 8.6 points and 8 rebounds in 22 minutes.

So far in 2026/27, Amaniyo is averaging 24.5 minutes and on the production side, she averages 11.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1 steal plus a staggering 71.4% Field Goal percentage.

This season looks like the one in which she can turn into a big star for her team and the National team.

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Ready for Gazelles call up?

Amaniyo has represented Uganda at 2 tournaments. She played at the U16 Afrobasket in 2019 and also played at the 2024 3×3 Youth Nations League that was held in Uganda. With her growth, she could be a player that gets a call up for the Gazelles ahead of the Women’s Afrobasket Zone V Qualifiers.

When Amaniyo was with the KIU Rangers, she was a force. And now, given her experience in the US, one would hope that her skills and understanding of the game have improved significantly. If she can be able to bring that to the Gazelles, there is no doubt that she will greatly elevate the team’s ceiling.

Other Stars in the US

Martina Anyango

Martina Anyango recently made her debut for the Texas Tech Lady Raiders and it was a quiet night for her. However, her production in the second game went up. She registered 9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block whilst scoring 4 of her 6 field goal attempts.

Gazelles Youngster Martina Anyango makes NCAA debut

Lydia Babirye

Babirye has had a magnanimous start to the 2026/27 season with the Valor Women’s Basketball team. She averages 17.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4 steals. Additionally, she is yet to miss from the free throw line as she made all her 16 attempts. In her second game of the season against College of Ozarks, Babirye scored a whopping 27 points.