Defending East Africa Community (EAC) Military and Cultural Games netball champions, Kenya had a humbling start after losing to Uganda 38-43 in a match played at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies (KSMS) yesterday.

Caroline Makhoka recorded an impressive 33 points for error-prone Kenya, who were second best for the entire match.

Kenya coach Rebecca Sarange, in a post-match interview, acknowledged there were lapses that need to be addressed in the remaining three matches.

“For sure we need to improve in our next matches. I still believe we have a chance of retaining the title but have to improve,” said the Eagle Wings player.

Kenya, who had come to the encounter as holders from the 11th edition of the games in Burundi two years, will have to work extra-hard in subsequent encounters if they are to match the dominance of neighbours Uganda and Tanzania, who have dominated the event from previous editions.

Caroline Makhoka scored six times with Brigid Nanzala adding a treble as Kenya trailed 9-12 at the end of the first quarter. Irene Eyalu and Rachael Nanyonga getting the goals for Uganda.

Second-quarter ended with Uganda leading 23-18, Makhoka getting all the nine goals for Kenya.

The game was lost and won for Kenya and Uganda respectively in the penultimate quarter with Uganda opening a 10-point lead, which was, however, reduced to 26-35 to end the quarter.

Despite a Kenyan rally in the fourth and final quarter, Uganda held on to win 43-38. In other matches, Tanzania 66-16 while Uganda had initially whitewashed Burundi 116-9 Kenya next play Rwanda on Saturday.

In volleyball, Rwanda defeated Burundi 3-0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-15). In men’s basketball, Kenya defeated South Sudan 66-62.

Kenya won five medals — four gold and one bronze — in the five disciplines during the last edition in Burundi in 2017. 

The games bring together military teams from Burundi, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and host Kenya, which will compete in football, basketball, netball, volleyball and cross-country.   Kenya is participating in all five disciplines.