The Kepler men’s basketball team has enlisted seasoned Ugandan coach Mandy Lutwama Juruni as their new head coach, securing his services on a two-year contract. Juruni, previously associated with Ugandan powerhouse City Oilers and having led the Uganda national team, brings extensive experience to Kepler. The emerging team, transitioning from Division 2, is actively fortifying its roster for the upcoming inaugural topflight basketball season, with Juruni’s arrival marking a pivotal first step in their ambitious basketball venture. Mandy Juruni has committed to a two-year coaching contract with Rwandan side Kepler, set to make their topflight league debut next year. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the most decorated coach in Ugandan basketball, boasting 15 league titles across various teams.
Juruni, 41, has been at the helm of City Oilers since 2012, helping them to multiple domestic league trophies and two qualifications to the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Besides, during his time as the coach of Uganda, he led the country to two consecutive qualifications for the AfroBasket, Africa’s most prestigious nations basketball championship.
Coaching Career
Juruni’s coaching journey began with City Oilers in the Ugandan second division, initially serving as a player-coach before transitioning solely into coaching duties.
In 2012, he took the reins at Kyambogo Warriors, steering them to the top-flight UNBL championship.
Under Juruni’s guidance, City Oilers clinched eight Uganda National Basketball League (UNBL) championships and secured a coveted BAL qualification. Their participation in the 2023 BAL season’s Nile Conference saw them finish in sixth place after a 1–4 record.
