The Sparks Women delivered a commanding performance on the hardwood on July 5, 2026, defeating the Amazon Rhinos Women 68–54 in a Uganda Women’s National Basketball League (NBL) showdown. The victory pushed the Sparks further up the standings, while the Rhinos were left searching for answers against a disciplined and well-coached opponent.

Match Overview

Held at the YMCA Indoor Arena in Kampala, the match tipped off at 14:00 local time and saw the Sparks seize control from the opening quarter. The home side established a double-digit lead by halftime and never allowed the Rhinos to recover. Strong defensive rotations and efficient transition offense were the cornerstones of the Sparks’ performance, which improved their record to a solid position in the league table.

• Final Score: Sparks Women 68 – 54 Amazon Rhinos Women
• Venue: YMCA Indoor Arena, Kampala
• Date: 5 July 2026
• Competition: Uganda Women’s NBL Regular Season

Key Moments

The Sparks opened the game with a 10–2 run, capitalizing on early turnovers by the Rhinos. By the end of the first quarter, the home team led 18–12. The Rhinos briefly cut the deficit to four points in the second period, but a three-point barrage from Sparks guard Ruth Nambogo restored a comfortable margin. Nambogo’s back-to-back triples in the final two minutes of the half sent the Sparks into the locker room up 36–26.

The third quarter proved decisive. The Rhinos struggled to contain the Sparks’ pick-and-roll attack, and center Grace Akello scored eight points in the paint during the period. The lead ballooned to 18 points heading into the fourth quarter. Although the Rhinos mounted a late rally behind forward Janet Kisakye, the Sparks held firm and closed out the victory.

Standout Players

Ruth Nambogo (Sparks) led all scorers with 19 points, shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. Her perimeter shooting stretched the Rhinos’ defense and opened driving lanes for her teammates.

Grace Akello (Sparks) contributed a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, dominating the glass on both ends of the floor. Her presence in the paint was a major factor in the Sparks’ 42–28 advantage in points in the paint.

Janet Kisakye (Rhinos) was the standout for the visitors, finishing with 16 points and 7 assists. She kept the Rhinos competitive in stretches but lacked consistent support from her teammates.

Impact on the Standings

The win solidified the Sparks Women’s position among the top contenders in the Uganda Women’s NBL. With a balanced roster and a growing chemistry, they have emerged as a team to watch in the second half of the season. For the Amazon Rhinos Women, the loss serves as a reminder of the work needed to close the gap against the league’s elite teams. Their playoff hopes remain alive, but consistency must improve.

The Sparks will look to build on this performance in their next fixture, while the Rhinos will regroup and aim to bounce back when they face another tough opponent. The Uganda Women’s NBL continues to produce compelling basketball, and this match was a fine example of the league’s growing quality.