KIU Titans Draw First Blood in FUBA Division One Finals

By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU Main Campus - KIU Titans made a winning start to their quest for the 2026 Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) Division One title with a hard-fought 64-59 victory over Watoto in Game One of the best-of-seven finals on Wednesday, October 14th, 2026.

Inspired by Daniel Odonkonyero’s game-high 18 points and a career-best performance from Yesman Bushiri in a KIU Titans jersey, Julius Lutwama’s boys held off a determined Watoto challenge to take an early lead in the championship series.

Odonkonyero once again proved influential, leading the Titans’ scoring effort, while Chieng Garang delivered another all-round performance, recording a double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds. Bushiri added 16 points, marking his highest scoring return since joining the Titans.

KIU started brightly, taking a 15-11 lead in the opening quarter before Watoto responded emphatically in the second period. The hosts outscored the Titans 22-16 to overturn the deficit and keep the contest finely balanced heading into half-time.

The Titans, however, found their rhythm after the break, producing a decisive third-quarter surge. They scored 20 points while limiting Watoto to 13, swinging the momentum back in their favour and establishing a 51-46 advantage heading into the final quarter.

With the championship opener on the line, KIU maintained its composure in the closing minutes. Both teams managed 13 points in the fourth quarter, but the Titans’ third-quarter advantage proved decisive as they closed out a five-point victory.

The result gives KIU an early advantage in the series and a confidence boost as they pursue the Division One championship.

Attention now turns to Game Two on Friday, October 16th, 2026, when the Titans will seek to extend their lead and move another step closer to the title.

For the Titans, the opening victory offers an encouraging start, but the challenge will be to sustain the defensive discipline and offensive efficiency that carried them through the first encounter.