By Isaac Akugizibwe
KIU, Main Campus-Edgar Munaba's impressive game-winning performances in recent weeks are beginning to get him special attention from both lovers of basketball and stakeholders in the beautiful game with many interested in knowing the secret behind his consistent and highly spirited performance.

Munaba has now gathered four back to back Tusker man of the match accolades helping his team register four consecutive victories in the process including Saturday's home triumph over UPDF Tomahawks. He has now averaged 14 points and 15 rebounds per game, one of the best so far this season.

The 22 year old sensation is beginning to taste the fruits of hard work with just eight months at the Titans and four in top-flight basketball. He admits that God and hard work are playing the biggest part in his success.

"I feel great and happy and to me, it's been God and hard work. I know very well that hard work always pays off with his help," he says.
For his love and commitment to the game, Munaba was highly motivated by his mother in addition to the overwhelming inspiration he draws from the late Kobe Bryant, an NBA icon.

"I was inspired by many people but my mum, brother, and late Kobe Bryant have given me the best inspiration to pursue this beautiful game," he admits.

"While in high school I used to admire some Tanzanian player called_Amin,"  he adds.

Munaba believes that it is desire, hardwork, and the ability to give one's best that makes them stand out and not their size or body stature.

" I think it is the desire that makes a star. It is not how big, small, tall, or short you are, but it's about how big you play and that comes with desire," he says.

KIU Titans coach, Raymond Muhumuza commends Edgar's leadership and discipline on and off-court.

"He is huge for us. His leadership & discipline on and off the court is outstanding," he says

"On the court, His energy and Rebounding is always important for us," he adds.

"Edgar is one of the teammates I really love playing with. He is a young star who listens, his work ethic is up the sky, and his presence on the floor is always felt," says KIU Titans Captain Okoth Henry.

"Edgar has improved so much especially on the picking of  rebounds, shooting those 2 pointers so good,"

With the departure of household names like Faisal Aden, Ariel Okall, Denis Balungu and others in the COVID-19 lockdown, the Titans fans were left worried about the shortage of magnificence but the emergence of Munaba combined with the growth in confidence of the who team is gradually restoring their hope.

"I won't say we lacked a power rebounder but Edgar has come up to be a power rebounder, a player who plays well, picks rebounds and assists is so much a big impact on the team," admits Dornum Ampaire Shiela, one of the Titans most passionate fans.

"Edgar has changed the negative thought about KIU being seen as a weak team this season. And what l love about him is that he is so consistent and persistent because he didn't do it once but so many times and he is still doing it not only for himself but for the team."

Apart from being a man to watch Edgar Munaba is one of the young stars upon whom KIU Titans future depends and once kept together for the next two or more seasons, this team is likely to become increasingly unbeatable.

Munaba's Fact file

Edgar Munaba is a 22 year old Ugandan Professional Basketball Player who plays for KIU Titans as a small forward in the Uganda National Basketball league. He went to Harding Christian Academy in jinja for Ordinary level before getting a sports scholarship to pursue his high school at Seeta high in Mukono where he completed his secondary education. 

He was an indispensable figure in the Seeta high school basketball team that gave traditional basketball households like Old Kampala, Lubiri SS, Buddo SS, St. Mary's Kitende, and Kibuli SS a good run for their money between 2017 and 2019.

He joined KIU main campus in 2021 to pursue a bachelor of International business. He was later recruited to the University's men's basketball team, the KIU Titans, and soon found himself safe homage in the team where he is now regarded as one of the indispensables.

He was inspired to play basketball by his mother and NBA legend, the late Kobe Bryant. He is also inspired by what basketball is capable of offering in terms of discipline and life.

He dreams of playing in a team where he doesn't only feel better and at home but also reserves the ability to achieve all he needs in life.