Kampala University (KU) Stars announced themselves as serious contenders for the National Woodball League title after making an impressive debut, winning three of their four matches to take an early lead in the men’s standings.

KU Stars, inspired by former Ndejje University player Lillian Zawedde, who joined the institution about a year ago, showed they can challenge the traditional powerhouses after a strong opening day on Sunday at Uganda Prisons pavilion in Luzira.

Their rise comes at the expense of Ndejje, who have dominated the national team setup for years. Four KU Stars players were named in Uganda’s squad for the 2026 Woodball World Cup in Malaysia, underlining the university’s growing influence in the sport.

The team also impressed during Uganda’s recent engagements in Kenya. KU won the overall team title at the 7th Kenya International Open Woodball Championship in Thika, Kenya, in September. Their league performance suggests the momentum has carried into the new season.

Even without their leading player, Brian Gwaaka, KU Stars delivered convincing results, including 3-0 victories over Bank of Uganda and Bugema University. They also beat Prisons 2-1 and Kisubi by the same margin.

KU Stars lead the men’s standings with eight points, level with the unbeaten Ministry of Public Service (MoPS) but ahead on fairway difference. They won 39 fairways and lost 26 during the opening round.

Ndejje are third with seven points, despite suffering a surprise 2-1 defeat to Bank of Uganda, while defending champions Uganda Prisons occupy fourth place on six points.

Prisons face early test

Prisons have won the last three editions of the league back to back, but their opening-day loss to KU Stars exposed areas requiring attention as they seek to extend their dominance.

Team manager Samson Rugongeza remained optimistic, insisting the champions have time to recover.

“There is room for improvement, and we will catch up to get to where we belong at the top,” Rugongeza said.

However, the absence of Isaac Nabugere and national team colleague Isaac Ariho left Prisons short of key options. Nabugere has been particularly effective in doubles and Ariho, the gung-ho mentality. While Daniel Apita remains a dependable performer for the champions, Crescent Rwanyombya’s recent inconsistent form has raised questions.

Bank of Uganda join the race

Bank of Uganda are another side to watch after recruiting Uganda’s Most Valuable Player Thomas Kedi, alongside Trevor Oming and Robert Mutiibwa. Doubles specialist Kennedy Mutungisa also made an encouraging league debut.

“We signed top players, and we surely must be aiming at the title. It is possible; it is within our reach,” team manager Josephine Nantongo said.

Bank of Uganda, one of the founding members of the Uganda Woodball Federation, have traditionally focused on corporate competitions, making their entry into the national league significant.

Public Service lead women

In the women’s league, defending champions Ministry of Public Service made a strong start, winning three of their four matches. They beat Bugema 3-0 and Ndejje and Kampala International University 2-1, but lost 2-1 to KU Stars.

Ndejje sit second after winning two and losing two matches as they use the league to prepare for the university games in December.

University of Kisubi, meanwhile, will look to veteran captain Noeline Babirye for inspiration after managing only one victory in three matches. Kyambogo Stroke will also hope Denise Nanjeru, one of Uganda’s leading female players, can help improve their fortunes.

National Woodball League

Selected results – Men

KU Stars 3-0 Bank of Uganda

KU Stars 3-0 Bugema

KU Stars 2-1 Prisons

KU Stars 2-1 Kisubi

Kyambogo 0-3 Ndejje

Bank of Uganda 2-1 Ndejje

Public Service 3-0 Bugema

Ndejje 3-0 Makerere

Public Service 1-2 KU Stars

KIU 0-3 Prisons

Women

Public Service 3-0 Bugema

Public Service 2-1 Ndejje

Public Service 2-1 KIU

KU Stars 2-1 Public Service