Uganda has taken another important step towards growing basketball after the Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, held talks with NBA Africa CEO Claire Akamanzi in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting focused on strengthening basketball development in Uganda and creating more opportunities for young people through the sport.
The discussions followed earlier meetings held in Uganda in March, showing that both sides are committed to turning their plans into reality. One of the main proposals discussed was the establishment of a Junior NBA League in partnership with Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports. The initiative is expected to introduce more young people to basketball while helping identify and develop future talent.
Beyond teaching basketball skills, the proposed Junior NBA League would focus on building character among young players. The programme aims to promote values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership, respect, and a strong work ethic. These qualities are expected to help participants succeed both on the court and in their everyday lives.
The planned partnership is part of NBA Africa’s wider strategy of working with governments and private sector partners across the continent. Besides supporting sports development, NBA Africa is also looking at investing in sports infrastructure, digital services, creative industries, and hospitality, creating opportunities that go beyond basketball.
Uganda has already made its mark on the continental basketball stage through clubs such as the City Oilers and Namuwongo Blazers, which have represented the country in the NBA-backed Basketball Africa League. Their participation has helped raise Uganda’s profile and demonstrated the country’s growing basketball potential.
The future of basketball in Uganda also looks brighter for fans, with UBC and NBS set to begin broadcasting NBA games starting this September. The television partnership is expected to give Ugandans greater access to the world’s top basketball competition while inspiring more young people to take up the sport.
If the plans discussed in Kigali are successfully implemented, Uganda could witness significant growth in basketball at the grassroots level. With support from the government, NBA Africa, schools, and local stakeholders, the proposed Junior NBA League could become a major platform for nurturing talent, promoting positive values, and shaping the next generation of Ugandan basketball stars.
