Author: user user

In the past two weeks, in separate moves, the family of Geoffrey Kazinda and Kazinda himself petitioned Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo seeking his intervention to expedite the delivery of his appeal, after five years of inactivity.

Kazinda fears that if the Chief Justice retires on January 18 next year without having issued the ruling in his appeal, he risks being allocated a new panel of justices, hence the case further dragging. But how did Kazinda, who has now spent over 13 years in Luzira Prison, end up embroiled in these endless legal battles, where he has also represented himself?

In mid-May 2012, Kazinda sought permission from his then supervisor and permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Mr Pius Bigirimana, to seek medical attention after he fell sick. His request was granted, and the same was not supposed to go beyond July 9, 2012, but before his return, he was replaced with another Principal Accountant.

On July 18, 2012, Mr Bigirimana filed a complaint with the then Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, reporting that Kazinda had been declared away without official leave. In the letter, Mr Bigirimana complained, among other things, that he had received information that, a week before he wrote the letter, Kazinda had sent his driver to smuggle some files from the office, which prompted him to put a second lock on the door to his office.

Mr Bigirimana had also complained that Kazinda was allegedly involved in the manipulation of the transfer of funds from programmes, hence he was seeking the police’s action against him.

Acting on the tip of Mr Bigirimana, the police swung into action and stormed the home of Kazinda’s mother, Ms Teopista Nanfuka, from where they retrieved several government documents, including a laptop that was the property of OPM. The search was done in the absence of Kazinda.

This was the genesis of Kazinda’s legal battles that he had to fight off as several corruption cases were slapped against him before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court in Kampala. It was the prosecution’s case that the documents recovered were in three categories: cash withdrawals used by government departments to withdraw cash from Bank of Uganda, security papers used in effecting funds from one account to another, and the third category of evidence recovered were letters addressed to the director of banking.

The prosecution further claimed the signatures attributed to Mr Bigirimana from the recovered documents were forged. He was therefore indicted and convicted of offenses of abuse of office and sentenced to five years in jail, forgery, and sentenced to two years on each of the 37 counts, making documents without authority, an offense that saw him handed five years, and unlawful possession of government stores that saw him sentenced to two years imprisonment.

The court said all the sentences were to run concurrently. But being dissatisfied with the conviction and the sentencing, Kazinda appealed before the Court of Appeal. Some of the grounds that he raised in his appeal were that the trial judge erred in law and fact when he failed to properly evaluate the whole evidence and relied on insufficient, uncorroborated, and incredible evidence to come to a wrong conclusion.

Three justices, Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Stephen Musota, and Night Percy Tuhaise, set aside the conviction and sentences of the Anti-Corruption Court, reasoning that the offenses were not proved by the prosecution.

‘This appeal, therefore, succeeds. We accordingly set aside the judgment and orders of the trial court and order for the appellant’s immediate release unless he is held on other lawful charges,’ the trio justices held.

In their judgment dated March 12, 2019, the trial justices observed that the prosecution failed to prove that all the alleged documents were found in the home of Kazinda’s mother.

They also found that the deadline for Kazinda to hand over office had not yet expired at the time of his arrest and that even though some of the security papers were found in his possession, he was still an employee of OPM. The justices also took a swipe at the prosecution for doing a shoddy investigation.

‘Before we take leave of this appeal, we wish to express our displeasure at the poor conduct of investigations in this case. The investigations were bungled and lacked professionalism. It left a lot to be desired,’ they held.

While the first case file was ongoing, Kazinda was again slapped with another batch of corruption charges. They included conspiracy to defraud, forgery, and uttering of false documents.

He was convicted and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on the charge of embezzlement and three years on the count of conspiracy to defraud.

He had jointly been charged with two others, Shamim Masembe and Hussein Katumwa, the proprietor and manager of Total Ntinda, respectively.

His co-accused were also convicted and sentenced to a fine of Shs10m and one year imprisonment in default for the offense of conspiracy to defraud.

Again, Kazinda, being dissatisfied with the decision of the Anti-Corruption Court, appealed to the Court of Appeal, claiming that the trial judge erred in law and fact when he convicted him of embezzling Shs316m, whereas the facts of the prosecution case were incompatible with the offense according to the indictment.

Upon review of the judgment of the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court, three justices of the Court of Appeal concluded that the prosecution didn’t prove the charges of embezzlement and conspiracy to defraud against Kazinda and his co-accused.

‘After full consideration of the facts, the evidence, and the submissions of counsel on all sides, we find that the offense of conspiracy to defraud was not proved. The essential elements of embezzlement and conspiracy to defraud had to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt,’ the justices Elizabeth Musoke, Stephen Musota, and Night Percy Tuhaise held on August 7, 2020.

Adding: ‘The conviction of the 1st appellant of the offenses of embezzlement and conspiracy to defraud is quashed and the sentences set aside. We order that the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd appellants be set free forthwith unless held on other lawful charges.’

Kazinda’s complaint

In 2014, Kazinda petitioned the Constitutional Court, challenging what he called the piece-meal manner in which the DPP was preferring several charges but arising from the same facts, a scenario he said amounted to double jeopardy.

He was seeking: ‘A declaration that the facts of the Director of Public Prosecutions in splitting and sequentially initiating charges of offenses founded on the same facts within different cases against the petitioner (Kazinda) before his conviction contravened Articles 28 (1), 28 (9) and 120 (5), an abuse of law.’

He also sought an order to permanently prohibit the State from using any process of any court to initiate and prosecute him for any offenses similar in character or founded on the same facts whatsoever arising out of or in connection with his former employment at OPM.

In a majority judgment of three to two, on August 7, 2020 agreed with Kazinda and went on to permanently stay all the proceedings against him. The three justices also directed the Anti-Corruption Court to immediately discharge Kazinda from prison. ‘An order sought is to permanently stay proceedings against the petitioner (Kazinda) in pending criminal cases No.47 of 2013, No. 62 of 2014, now 101 of 2014 and directing the Anti-Corruption Court to immediately discharge the petitioner in the above cases and any future cases whose offenses are founded on the same facts,’ Justice Musota who wrote the lead judgment stated. Following the decision of the Constitutional Court, directives to the Anti-Corruption Court, then presiding judge Margaret Tibulya, terminated the proceedings against Kazinda.

‘The proceedings against A1 (Kazinda) are hereby discontinued in accordance with the Constitutional Court order in the Constitutional petition No. 30 of 2014 of 7th August 2020. He is hereby set free unless he is held on other charges,’ Justice Tibulya ruled.

Likewise, Justice Lawrence Gidudu on October 19, 2020, in heeding to the Constitutional Court directives, permanently stayed Kazinda’s trial in criminal case 56 of 2018 before discharging him.

Attorney General petitions

The decision and directives of the Constitutional Court didn’t go down well with the Attorney General, who then appealed to the Supreme Court in a bid to overturn the same.

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Dollo, on February 12, 2021, stayed the implementation of the Constitutional Court orders that included releasing Kazinda from prison until the appeal of the Attorney General was heard and determined.

Kazinda’s appeal

Some of the grounds that he raised in his appeal were that the trial judge reportedly erred in law by failing to properly evaluate the whole evidence and relied on insufficient and uncorroborated evidence to come to a wrong conclusion.

Three judges-Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Stephen Musota, and Night Percy Tuhaise-set aside the conviction and sentences of the Anti-Corruption Court, reasoning that the offences were not proved by the prosecution.

‘This appeal, therefore, succeeds. We accordingly set aside the judgment and orders of the trial court and order for the appellant’s immediate release unless he is held on other lawful charges,’ the judges held.

The National Development Plan IV (NDP IV) emphasises that without efficient service delivery, government investments in infrastructure, social services, and industrialisation cannot achieve their intended impact. It underscores that an efficient public sector is essential for delivering high-quality public goods and services, thereby creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and improving the overall quality of life.

However, the plan also recognises that rampant corruption has severely undermined service delivery, leading to annual financial losses estimated at Shs9.1 trillion. Recent data from the November 2021 Uganda National Service Delivery Reports indicates that over the years, the government has made concerted efforts in mobilising resources to finance the National Budget with the aim of improving service delivery, stimulating economic activity, and fostering development.

Despite these efforts, existing evidence shows that corruption remains pervasive. On August 20, a study published on the Inspectorate of Government (IG) website revealed that job seekers in Uganda’s local governments paid at least Shs29b in bribes between 2018 and 2022 to secure public service jobs.

Former Inspector General of Government (IGG) Beti Kamya, whose term expired last month, further reported that 85 percent of Uganda’s civil servants are hired through bribery, with 35 percent of these admitting to paying bribes to secure their jobs. This situation has rendered Uganda’s public service highly vulnerable to systemic corruption and created a vicious cycle that continues to undermine integrity within government institutions. For instance, when a job seeker pays a bribe to secure a position in the public service, their first priority often becomes recovering the money they invested in obtaining the job.

According to the IG study, ‘Some even take out loans to pay these bribes, hoping to recover the money through kickbacks once employed.’ Those who attempt to repay these loans using their official salaries soon realise that the earnings are not enough to cover such ‘investments.’

And as a result resort to corrupt practices; the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. Over time, once such behaviour is normalised and seen as effective, it evolves into a habit. This habit not only undermines efficient service delivery but also perpetuates an entrenched culture of corruption within the public sector. These revelations highlight the urgent need for a national mindset shift, one that moves beyond blaming institutions to fostering personal responsibility and collective action against corruption. First, a corrupt-free Uganda will not be built by government agencies alone, it begins with every citizen.

Each of us has a personal responsibility to act with integrity and reject the culture of bribery that has taken root in society. When citizens stop normalising corruption and start demanding accountability from those in power, the cycle begins to break. Second, silence, as many anti-corruption activists warn, is the oxygen that keeps corruption alive. Every time we turn a blind eye to an official who abuses public resources or accept corruption as ‘business as usual,’ we strengthen the very systems that oppress us. True change will only come when Ugandans collectively say, ‘enough is enough.’

Third, the power to transform this nation lies in our voices and actions. By speaking out, refusing to pay bribes, and insisting on transparency, citizens can force a shift toward a fairer and more efficient public service.

A united, vigilant, and responsible citizenry is Uganda’s greatest weapon against corruption. Lastly, only through collective effort can Uganda build a transparent, efficient, and people-centred public sector. One that truly serves its citizens and drives national development. The fight against corruption starts with you and me.

The Electoral Commission (EC) in September set October 22 and 23 as the days for nominating candidates for parliamentary elections, including Special Interest Groups (Youths, Persons with Disabilities, Workers, and Older Persons).

Ahead of the exercise, businesses are being positioned to make money hand over fist.

Mr Anthony Kayiira, the Kamuli District councillor representing Kitayunjwa Sub-county, who is also Team Bazanya/Museveni coordinator, says if the Church cannot come to you, you go to the Church.

‘It is the candidate who needs the voters, not vice versa; so, you have to stoop so low, humble yourself and treat each voter’s category specially to turn the support into votes and not cry foul that your victory was stolen,’ Mr Kayiira said on Saturday.

At local brew (malwa) drinking joints, campaign agents have started bringing their candidates under the guise of greeting potential voters.

Across Kamuli Industrial Area, four malwa drinking groups are sprawled, with each bearing allegiance to either National Resistance Movement (NRM), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), National Unity Platform (NUP), or Independent-leaning candidates.

On Saturday, the once orderly place had become competitive as each group or party tried to outdo the other.

‘We are targeting Museveni’s Shs2 million that he promised to malwa brewers; and as of now, we have stocked over 50 sacks of millet (ingredient for making malwa) from Parish Development Model (PDM) funds,’ Rose Audo, the Fisheries Arena Malwa Group Manager, says.

In 2015, while campaigning in Amudat District in the Karamoja Sub-region ahead of the 2016 presidential election, candidate Museveni promised to give women who were struggling to eke a living through brewing malwa (local brew) Shs2 million per village across the then 112 districts to boost their business.

Social media handlers, printers of campaign posters, and airtime sellers, among others, are also into positioning themselves ahead of the nominations this week.

WhatsApp and caller groups are being opened up for candidates’ teams to rally supporters.

Ali Lukomo, a social media handler for Geoffrey Dhamuzungu, who seeks to oust Moses Magogo from Budiope East, says reclaiming that seat involves ‘modern election strategies’ and ‘crude systems’.

‘We have formed various fronts, including ‘Tuyambe Beene’, ‘Dhiwume’, ‘Team No Sleep’ and other covert outfits, but all come with a cost burden,’ Mr Lukomo says.

He adds that the media handler uses a minimum of Shs100,000 monthly in data, which is going to rise after nominations because there will be ‘an aggressive social media counter-campaign’.

Boda bodas and bouncers are also joining the fray to provide ‘security’ to candidates and shield them from voters seeking on-spot financial assistance.

Mr Aloysius Nyenje, the chief executive officer Kamuli Boda boda Tuliwalala Association, says they have been fully registered, monitored and organised to offer transport services across the district from the nomination dates through the campaigns until the polling date.

‘We have always been used and dumped, but this time, we have organised structures which we run as a business for profit so that our members pay off loans, support their families and benefit from the campaigns.’

However, in Namutumba District, boda boda riders say they haven’t benefited from the current presidential campaigns and could be staring at a similar scenario as the parliamentary nominations start on Wednesday.

‘Apart from the incumbent (Mr Museveni), no presidential candidate hires us to escort his procession to campaign venues,’ Mr Ivan Isiko, a boda boda rider, said, raising optimism that he will get money when the NRM candidate visits Namutumba District tentatively on November 24.

He adds: ‘The NRM office has a budget for boda boda riders because we escort the President to and from the campaign venues.’

Mr Mubarak Waiswa, another bod boda rider, however, isn’t expecting any money during this year’s campaigning period because of the strict guidelines put in place by the EC. ‘Justice Simon Byabakama (EC Chairperson) warned that even fueling motorcycles was voter bribery.’

Justice Byabakama warned candidates against bribery, and urged stakeholders to strictly follow the law.

‘Do not use money to influence voters either to vote for you or against another candidate. It is an offence. If you win by bribery, your victory can be challenged in court and cancelled. Offenders will be prosecuted,’ he said last month.

Ms Rita Nalubega, who sells drinks at Kaiti Road, said presidential candidates do not buy drinks for the voters because that would be deemed voter bribery. ‘It is only Members of Parliament and district chairpersons who buy drinks for their electorates; so, most of us are expecting to make money during the MPs’ campaigns.’

Owners of public address systems, on the other hand, say presidential candidates come with their equipment.

Mr Nathan Maka says he bought a new public address system, targeting politicians, but he fears he may have incurred a loss. ‘Even as President Museveni visits Namutumba District next month, he will move with his own, which he will use to address the people.’

Mental health experts have implored the government and other key stakeholders to increase awareness to minimise its dangers of the vice.

In a statement issued to mark the October 10 World Mental Health Day, Mr Yahaya Wanda, the Country Director of Nordic Mindset in Uganda, said that schools, universities, workplaces, and governments should join this massive mental health awareness to join movement to eliminate the vice.

‘Mental health is not just the absence of illness; it’s the presence of awareness, balance, and purpose. Our mission is to guide people back to themselves, to help them reconnect with who they truly are and live with meaning,’ he said.

Nordic Mindset, he said, stands at the forefront of a global movement to redefine how individuals, communities, and institutions understand and care for mental wellbeing.

‘Rooted in The New Psychology, a powerful framework that bridges science, empathy, and practical life tools, Nordic Mindset continues to inspire transformation across continents. With mental health challenges rising worldwide, particularly among youth and working professionals, Nordic Mindset brings a renewed sense of hope,’ he said.

His remarks came a few months after the executive director of Butabika hospital, Dr Juliet Nakku, revealed that a significant number of graduates are among their mental health patients currently admitted at the hospital.

Dr Nakku in an earlier interview this year, linked the increased mental health issues among the graduates and other youths to drug and alcohol abuse.

‘We have so many graduates in Butabika, from different courses, engineers, lawyers, among others. These are not able to be productive because of their mental health, which is primarily caused by them,’ she said.

She added, ‘The mental health among youth has been a problem especially after Covid-19 over the last three years.. More than 70 per cent of the population are youths who are now suffering a lot of mental health including mild, moderate we are seeing common mental disorders like depression, anxiety and sadly, alcohol and substance abuse.’

A study by the Ministry of Health in May 2022 revealed that 14 million Ugandans are mentally ill, where some experience some sort of suicidal thoughts.

The latest June statistics from the same Ministry revealed a concerning 25 per cent increase in mental health cases over the past four years.

In the 2023-2024 financial year, 616,175 cases were recorded in outpatient departments, up from 491,013 in 2020-2021.

These figures, Mr Wanda said, highlight an urgent need for proactive, evidence-based approaches to mental well-being. Nordic Mindset not only supports global awareness campaigns but also offers proven and guaranteed solutions that empower individuals to heal and thrive.

‘Its mission is not only to talk about mental health but to equip individuals with 32 transformative life tools and principles that help them heal, thrive, and build emotional resilience. Through seminars, mentorship programs, and international collaborations, the Nordic Mindset team has already reached thousands of people, empowering them to overcome depression, anxiety, and trauma. Participants report significant life improvements, deeper emotional balance, and the ability to lead others toward personal and professional growth,’ he said.

In Uganda, many young women emerging from university carry vivid dreams of love, relationships, and marriage as key chapters in their post-graduation lives. These dreams often paint an idealistic picture: a perfect partner, an immediate transition into marriage, and a blissful household. But how realistic are these expectations in today’s Uganda?

For many, graduating from university is more than an academic milestone; it symbolises stepping stones to financial independence, social status, and, crucially, finding a loving partner. Cultural narratives and social media amplify this dream further. The belief that true love and immediate marriage shortly after university are inevitable steps after education is a widely believed false narrative.

This is not so different from the assumption that obtaining a degree is normally associated with expectations of a stable, well-paying job plus a loving partner. The harsh reality, however, paints a different picture. Many young women find that their carefully nurtured dreams about relationships and marriage face significant hurdles, making these relationship desires often unrealistic or even unattainable.

Uganda’s economy remains challenging; even with a degree, many women struggle to find stable employment. This financial instability makes it difficult to meet traditional expectations of marriage readiness, both for themselves and their suitors.

Marriage is no longer a guaranteed path after university; many men delay marriage or avoid it altogether due to economic pressures, shifting attitudes, or fear of losing independence. There often exists a wide gap between what women idealise about their partners and marriages and what is achievable; this gap leads to disappointment, loneliness, and delayed marriages. Women face immense social pressure to marry early, yet the modern realities of education and career-building create conflicting priorities.

If the idealistic dreams about relationships and marriage are often a hoax, what are the realistic paths forward for young Ugandan women after university? Rather than immediate marriage, prioritising career growth, skill acquisition, and financial security creates a foundation for future choices free of desperation or societal pressure.

Single life can be a time of self-discovery and strength, not failure. It’s an opportunity to break free from the stereotype that a woman’s worth depends on marital status. Friendship groups, mentorships, and professional networks provide emotional and practical support during this transitional phase. Understand that love and partnership may come at different times and in different forms than imagined. Flexibility and patience are essential. The romanticised narrative that girls in Uganda will transition smoothly from university into marriage and settled relationships is increasingly a myth.

Economic challenges, societal shifts, and personal growth journeys mean this dream is often unrealistic. But embracing the complexities and redefining aspirations can lead to richer, more fulfilling lives, whether single or partnered. Ugandan girls after university must navigate a new landscape where dreams can evolve from impossible to purposeful realities.

President William Ruto for the first time yesterday opened up on the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s health struggles in the last two months before his death last Wednesday. The President also revealed the frantic calls from Mr Odinga’s family on the morning he died in India.

Dr Ruto said it was Mr Odinga’s elder Brother, Dr Oburu Oginga, who first informed him through a Whatsapp text that he was critically ill.

The text came at 6.45am last Wednesday. Dr Oburu would later after 10 minutes called again to tell the President that ‘it appears we have lost Baba.’ The information was confirmed to the President by Mr Odinga’s daughter, Winnie, who was with him in India.

‘He called many people assuring them that he was well. We were planning to attend the Siaya Trade conference on Thursday. At 6.45am on Wednesday Oburu texted me on Whatsapp that my brother was critically ill,’ President Ruto said.

‘I told him, but we spoke to Baba and he told us he was okay. I called some people who could not tell me Raila’ status. 10 minutes later, Oburu called and informed me that it appears that we have lost Baba,’ President Ruto said.

The President revealed Mr Odinga’s health struggles in the last one month. He said Raila was in and out of hospital for medical attention.

He, however, did not disclose what he was being treated for.

‘The last one month was a difficult moment, his voice was horse, and he was weak because he was taking some medicine. His health was very concerning to me. He said he had been to Dubai for treatment,’ Mr Ruto said.

He added that they had planned to meet but that did not happen after Mr Odinga’s doctors advised that he should take some rest in Malindi. When he came back from Malindi, Dr Ruto said, he wanted to come see him at State House, but he told him since he was not feeling well, he would go see him at his Karen home.

The President said they had dinner where Mr Odinga briefed him on his health status.

‘I told him the that the government would cover his medical expenses wherever he went, whether to the US, China or India. We told him, we don’t want guess work. We facilitated everything that Raila wanted,’ he told thousands of mourners who turned up at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Technology.

The President also explained how he had difficult time talking to Winnie about hastening the funeral arrangement to meet the 72-hour will by Mr Odinga.

‘I have discharged my responsibility to a brother, a friend and mentor. I thank his security details for standing with him always. I remember during our ODM days, Raila’s bodyguard, Maurice Ogeta, used to wipe our shoes when we came from campaigns,’ he said.

The revelation by the President corroborates the accounts by the Indian doctors on the day Mr Odinga died. As Kenyans were preparing to report to their work places on Wednesday morning, the Devamatha Hospital in Kerala, Southern India was a buzz with urgency. Mr Odinga, Kenya’s former prime minister, had just been wheeled into the facility after suffering a cardiac arrest during a morning walk at about 8.30 am (6am Kenyan time).

By his side were his personal doctor and security personnel Maurice Ogeta. The two had just administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ‘Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga was brought to our casualty emergency wing with a history of sudden collapse during his morning walk,’ a cardiologist, only identified as Dr Alphons said.

‘They had already started CPR. His doctor and security personnel were with him. We continued CPR and performed emergency intubation – inserting a tube into the respiratory system – and continued CPR along with other resuscitative measures,’ she said.

She explained, ‘After stabilising him with IV fluids, we administered an injection to dissolve any possible clot in the coronary arteries.’

At ICU

When in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the medics in the room momentarily detected a heart rhythm. The beeping then faltered, followed by heartbeat flat line on the screen. Mr Odinga had breathed his last some minutes before 10am. The medics also observed swelling in his lower right leg.

His personal physician informed them that he had a history of diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. He had previously been treated for deep vein thrombosis. He had an inferior ven cav filtered inserted in the vein. ‘Recently, he had a thin subdural hematoma, which was detected last Saturday,’ the cardiologist said.

The moment it was confirmed that only three teams would be part of the Road To BAL Division East Group Phase, Namuwongo Blazers work load became somewhat lighter.

Hosts Dar City Basketball were the favourites while Comoros’ Djabal were never expected to cause any problems.

And despite starting the qualifying tournament with a disappointing 83-70 loss to the home team on Saturday, the Blazers bounced back with a statement 132-58 win over Djabal on Sunday to finish second.

With the 1-1 record, the Ugandan outfit had done enough to qualify for the Elite 16, which is the last hurdle on the way to the prestigious Basketball Africa League.

Peter Obleng had a field day on Sunday, scoring a game-high 39 points on the back of a seven-for-eight three-point shooting rhythm.

The forward shot 14 of 23 from the field and made all of his four free throws on the night. He had three rebounds and four assists to complete his best game in Blazers’ colours.

Jimmy Enabu and Innocent Ochera contributed 13 points each while Arthur Wanyoto and Moses Mugisha had 11 points apiece.

Jaycson Ray Bereal Jr. and Toluwalope Obasa registered 10 points each as the Blazers wiped the floor with Djabal.

Dar City pummelled Djabal 102-50 in the first game of the tournament played on Friday.

The Blazers will now have their eyes on November’s Elite 16, which will provide an opportunity for yet another Ugandan side to feature at the BAL.

City Oilers have appeared in two editions of the BAL but failed to make it for the previous edition.

Whether the Blazers will do enough to get through the more competitive Elite 16, it remains to be seen.

The addition of John Murray, Toluwalope Obasa and Jaycson Ray Bereal Jr. greatly improved the Blazers.

For now, the team’s immediate focus will be on the National Basketball League finals that tip off this Friday.

The Blazers, who finished top of the regular season log with a 19-3 record, swept Rezlife and UCU Canons in the quarters and semis respectively.

And having beaten Oilers twice in the regular season, they go into the finals with a slight edge over the ten-time champions.

Road To BAL

Division East

Namuwongo Blazers results

Dar City 83-70 Nam Blazers

Nam Blazers 132-70 Djabal