Watoto Men’s seven-year journey through the lower divisions paid off on Sunday night, but they had to survive a tense finish against KIU Titans before lifting the 2026 FUBA Division One title.
Watoto held their nerve to beat the Titans 59-57 in Game Six at the YMCA Court in Wandegeya, taking the best-of-seven series 4-2 and securing their first Division One championship.
It was a hard-earned victory, with KIU refusing to go down without a fight after recovering from an early deficit to take the lead in the closing stages briefly. But Watoto found the decisive points when it mattered, completing a journey that has taken them seven years through the lower tiers of Ugandan basketball.
Both teams will now make the step up to the National Basketball League (NBL) next season, with the series providing a fitting end to their Division One campaign.
Emmanuel Omara Jr. was at the heart of Watoto’s triumph, finishing with a game-high 22 points, while Sydney David Walusimbi added 10.
Watoto started the decisive game with real purpose, opening up an 18-5 lead in the first quarter. Omara got them moving early, while Walusimbi made his presence felt with steals, rebounds and assists.
Victor Aaron Makmot also provided a highlight with a dunk off Walusimbi’s assist, as Fortunate Kamugisha added a driving lay-up. KIU struggled to find their scoring touch, with Osinde James Nkambo converting free throws, but Watoto remained firmly in control.
The Titans responded in the second quarter, outscoring Watoto 18-8 to cut the gap to just three points at half-time, 26-23. Kamugisha landed a three-pointer for Watoto, while Walusimbi contributed a lay-up and free throws, and Omara added a free throw.
KIU gradually found their rhythm through Odokonyero, Bona, Chieng Garang and Ryan Akena Arthur, turning what had looked like a comfortable Watoto advantage into a contest.
The third quarter remained close. Akena’s lay-up and Mutawulu’s three-pointer helped KIU stay within reach, but Omara continued to deliver when Watoto needed him. Walusimbi chipped in with a tip-in and another lay-up, while Makmot also scored as Watoto carried a 40-35 advantage into the final quarter.
The real drama came in the closing minutes. KIU kept pushing and eventually moved ahead 57-56 through Bushiri’s driving lay-up with 53 seconds remaining. Watoto were suddenly staring at the possibility of letting the championship slip away.
Omara responded with a crucial lay-up to restore Watoto’s advantage, before Makmot sank a three-pointer, assisted by Osinde, with 43 seconds left to put his side 59-57 ahead.
Those proved to be the decisive points. Watoto survived the final exchanges, with late turnovers by Osinde and Mutawulu denying KIU another opportunity to level the game.
The victory also capped a remarkable individual campaign for Omara, who walked away with five awards.
He was named Playoffs Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Regular Season MVP, while also claiming the top rebounder award after collecting 346 rebounds at an average of 13 per game. He was further recognised as Defensive Player of the Season and selected as the centre in the Team of the Season.
Watoto’s triumph came after a series that had swung between the two sides. KIU won the opening game 64-59 before Watoto responded with a 48-42 victory in Game Two and a 67-60 win in Game Three.
The Titans brought the series level at 2-2 in Game Four, with Akena producing an outstanding 31-point performance. Watoto regained control with a 65-50 win in Game Five before sealing the championship in the narrowest of finishes in Game Six.
Elsewhere in Division Two, the Emperors Basketball Club won the 2026 FUBA Division Two finals against Kampala University (KU Men).
Zizi Mbomba Zola was named Division Two Playoffs MVP, while Emmanuel Odong of KU Eagles enjoyed an outstanding individual campaign, collecting five awards.
Odong was named Regular Season MVP and finished as the league’s top scorer with 434 points at an average of 15 per game. He also claimed the top rebounder award with 402 rebounds, averaging 14 per game, and was recognised as Defensive Player of the Season before earning a place as the centre in the Team of the Season.