KIU Rangers Face Pearl Queens in NBL Showdown Tonight

By Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus - The KIU Rangers will be chasing their third straight victory in the National Basketball League (NBL) when they take on the Pearl Queens at Abja Park in Naalya this evening (Wednesday, 18^th February, 2026). Tip-off is set for 7:00 pm.

The Rangers head into the clash riding high after back-to-back wins against Angels Basketball Club and Nabisunsa Girls, signalling a strong start to their campaign. The Pride of Kampala International University (KIU) will once again rely on star forward Sharon Kirabo—currently the league’s leading rebounder—and captain Ines Kanyamuneza to anchor their charge.

Kanyamuneza has promised fans a spirited performance:

“We will go and put up a fight, and the rest is up to God,” she said.

Adding spice to the encounter, KIU’s Hope Aleesi Musimenta, Cinderella Anena, and Racheal Nanbuya will be facing their former side after spending last season on loan at Pearl Queens. On the flip side, ex-Rangers players Fildauce Namulema, Racheal Nanyonga, Ballo Djeneba, Patience Karungi, and Brenda Ayere will line up against their old teammates for the first time since departing in January 2026.

The Pearl Queens, however, have endured a rough welcome to the topflight, falling to JT Lady Jaguars and KCCA Leopards in their opening fixtures. They will be eager to turn the tide against Julius Lutwama’s in-form Rangers.

Pearl Queens guard Patience Karungi acknowledged the emotional weight of the matchup:

“It will be a very tough game, especially playing against a team that is literally my family,” she said.
“Both teams are competitive, and regardless of the circumstances, we have prepared to face each other.”

After two games apiece, the Rangers sit 8th on the Women’s National Basketball League table, while the Pearl Queens occupy 11th place.