Home » Uganda Basketball

Uganda AfroBasket 2025 Qualification | Silverbacks Make History

Uganda’s Silverbacks have done it again—securing their fourth straight AfroBasket qualification despite a turbulent campaign. In what felt more like a high-stakes math equation than a basketball tournament, Uganda clinched the final wild-card spot for AfroBasket 2025 in Angola.

Their journey wasn’t smooth. But it’s a testament to the heart and hustle of Ugandan basketball—a rising force in African hoops.

Form Guide: A Qualification Run Hanging by a Thread

With a 2-4 record in Group E, Uganda finished their AfroBasket 2025 qualifying. The Silverbacks depended on tenacity, tiebreakers, and one vital triumph over Cape Verde as other teams sailed through the group stages with strong win streaks.

Early momentum was muted by defeats to Nigeria and Libya. However, Uganda kept their chances alive by maintaining a respectable point differential and clutching a win when it mattered most.

Why That Win Over Cape Verde Mattered

Cape Verde was no pushover. Ranked above Uganda in the FIBA standings, the win gave Uganda a slight statistical edge over other fourth-place teams across groups.

When Angola—already qualified as host—finished top three in Group E, the rules opened the door for the best fourth-placed team to step up. Uganda met the criteria and grabbed that lifeline.

How the Tournament Format Worked

The AfroBasket 2025 qualification process was spread across three regional tournaments involving five groups. The top three teams from each group automatically qualified.

Exception That Helped Uganda

Since Angola qualified twice—once as a host and once as a top-three team in Group E—the best fourth-placed team was chosen to fill the final spot. Uganda emerged as that team based on FIBA rules and overall performance.

Did you know? Uganda is the only East African team to qualify for four straight AfroBasket tournaments.

Breaking Down Uganda’s Qualification

This was not a dominant run—but a story of survival. Uganda’s 2-4 record wasn’t impressive on paper. But behind the stats lies a narrative of grit.

Uganda’s average point differential was superior to most fourth-placed teams.
They led the group in free throw accuracy (85.2%).
Key defensive stops in clutch moments proved decisive.

Lesson:

In African basketball, a single rebound or missed free throw can be the difference between qualification and elimination.

Uganda’s AfroBasket Journey So Far

Uganda has evolved from underdogs to regular contenders in recent AfroBasket tournaments.

Previous Appearances

2015: Group Stage Exit
2017: Group Stage Exit
2021: Quarterfinal Finish
2025: Qualified via Wild Card

Uganda’s progress is no longer just a fluke—it’s the result of long-term development and strategic planning.

Investing in the Future: Uganda’s Basketball Rise

Beyond the Silverbacks’ success lies a broader story of Uganda’s commitment to the sport.

Youth Development Programs

FUBA’s Junior Silverbacks initiative is nurturing future talent
National U18 and U16 teams have shown promise in regional tournaments

Domestic League Growth

The National Basketball League (NBL) is expanding with more corporate sponsorships
Players are now getting scouted for international leagues in Europe and North America

This rise could eventually lead to Uganda becoming a powerhouse in African basketball.

Full List of Qualified Teams for AfroBasket 2025

These are the 16 nations that will compete in Angola (August 12–24, 2025):

Angola (Host)
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Côte d’Ivoire
DR Congo
Egypt
Guinea
Libya
Madagascar
Mali
Nigeria
Rwanda
Senegal
South Sudan
Tunisia
Uganda

With these strong opponents, Uganda will need both strategy and spirit to make a deep run.

What Uganda’s Qualification Means

This qualification is more than a sports story—it’s a national achievement.

Key Benefits

Increased support for youth programs and school leagues
Boosted investment from sponsors and diaspora
Media exposure across local and regional outlets
Dream fuel for aspiring players

For many young Ugandans, the Silverbacks are proof that passion can build possibility.

What’s Next for Uganda’s Silverbacks?

The road to Angola is already in motion. Here’s what fans can expect in the months ahead:

Squad Announcements

FUBA is expected to release the final roster in June 2025, with a mix of veterans and young talent.

Training Camps

Local and international training camps are being arranged, including friendlies with Rwanda, Kenya, and potentially Morocco.

Fan Engagement

Instagram Q&A with players
Hashtag campaigns like #SilverbacksToAngola
Watch parties across Kampala and beyond

Uganda’s Grit Pays Off

The Uganda AfroBasket 2025 qualification campaign wasn’t glamorous—but it was gripping. Through strategy, resilience, and a sprinkle of good fortune, the Silverbacks secured their place in Angola.

Now, as the spotlight shines on the continental stage, Uganda is ready to rise—not as a filler team, but as a squad with a real story and real ambition.

“We don’t just qualify. We fight, we build, and we inspire.” — A Silverbacks supporter, Kampala

Home » Uganda Basketball

The Inspiring Journey of Namuwongo Blazers: From Local Court to National Stardom

The Namuwongo Blazers’ journey is a tale of grit, community, and basketball brilliance. This team transformed basketball by progressing from dusty Kisugu courts to facing Uganda’s top competitors. Their story from starting their journey in the 1990s until reaching a historic national championship showdown in 2022 remains incredibly inspirational.

Learn how a group of friends created a national sensation and emerged as icons of hope.

The Birth of a Brotherhood

Before 2014, the Namuwongo Blazers existed only as a dream. The seeds were planted in the 1990s on the African Gospel Church court in Kisugu, where CEO Daniel Muttu Obol and coach Stephen Nyeko forged lifelong bonds through pick-up games.

“We learned basketball there and built a brotherhood,” Obol recalls. By 2014, they formalized their passion into a club. This deep-rooted passion for the sport extended beyond the players to the Namuwongo community, with the team becoming a local symbol of perseverance. Their patron, Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, is among their most dedicated supporters.

Their home court, nestled near Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo’s residence, became a symbol of community pride.

Climbing the National Basketball Ladder

The Blazers entered Uganda’s National Basketball League (NBL) in 2019 but encountered numerous obstacles right away. The Blazers’ promotion proved to be not only a sports achievement but also demonstrated how hard work and unity can achieve great things.

However, their NBL journey wasn’t smooth. The pandemic during 2020 and 2021 interrupted their sports seasons and stopped their forward progress. Their determination to reach the pinnacle grew stronger during this uncertain period.

2022 Finals: Redefining Ugandan Basketball

City Oilers had dominated the NBL for seven years—until the Blazers arrived. Topping the 2022 regular season, the Blazers stormed the playoffs, defeating KCCA Panthers and KIU Titans to face the Oilers in a historic finals.

The Game Seven Thriller

The Lugogo Indoor Arena became packed during the intense basketball contest. The Blazers trailed by four points with just 0.6 seconds left when David Deng scored two free throws and intentionally missed his third shot to earn overtime. But Paul Odong’s rebound shot rimmed out, sealing a 66-64 Oilers victory.

Though heartbroken, the Blazers had reshaped Uganda’s basketball landscape. “We changed the face of the game,” Obol declared. Their underdog spirit drew unprecedented crowds, reigniting fan passion nationwide.

Community Impact: Beyond the Court

The Namuwongo Blazers are more than just a basketball team—they are a movement. Their commitment to uplifting lives through sport is demonstrated through their outreach programs which include basketball clinics for refugees.

The Blazers brought their message of hope and success through basketball to young refugees during their visit to the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement.

2023 Controversy: A Setback and a Stand

In 2023, the Blazers faced a pivotal challenge. Uganda’s basketball body, FUBA, canceled the country’s Basketball Africa League (BAL) entry to align its calendar with sponsors. For the Blazers—whose sponsorships hinged on BAL qualification—the decision was devastating.

“We called for fairness,” Obol asserted. This decision, aimed at aligning Uganda’s basketball calendar with BAL standards, left the Blazers and their sponsors frustrated. Given that their ultimate goal was to compete in BAL, the team opted out of the playoffs, sparking debates in Ugandan basketball circles.

The 2024 Roster: Reloaded and Ready

CEO Obol acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains optimistic. “We have to become self-sustaining,” he says. “Getting our own home court is our next big step.” Bolstered by new signings and seasoned stars, the Blazers aim for 2024 glory. Key players include:

Paul Odong
Michael Makiadi
Jimmy Enabu
Richard Ongom
Peter Cheng
Ochera Innocent
Arthur Wanyoto
Daniel Gaaki
Jimmy Williams
Joseph Chuma
Paul Odong
Chuol Nyuot
Geoffrey Soro
Richard Ongom
Elly Okello
Nasser Guddi
Wadaya Blair
Alfred Okello
Diopa Lukusa

With their sights set on the 2024 NBL season, the Blazers are strengthening their squad. Reports suggest they are targeting seasoned players like Jimmy Enabu, Tony Drileba, and James Okello, all former City Oilers champions.

Why the Oilers Remain the Benchmark

City Oilers’ financial muscle and experience make them formidable. “Beating them requires resources we’re still building,” admits Obol. The Blazers focus on sustainability, including plans for a home arena to boost revenue.

Fan Power: The Heartbeat of the Blazers

Superfan Mark “Pepe” Labong embodies the team’s grassroots appeal. “Our fans span Uganda—not just Namuwongo,” he says. Merchandise sales and packed arenas prove their growing influence. Even Chief Justice Owiny-Dollo and Dr. Ian Clarke count themselves as supporters.

Famous Fans Who Support Nam Blazers

Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo
Dr. Ian Clarke (IHK Founder)
Philip Wokorach (Rugby Cranes Legend)

Looking Ahead: The Road to Glory

The Blazers’ milestones speak volumes:

2022: NBL Finalists, Regular Season Champions
2023: Regular Season Runners-Up
2024: Playoff Semifinalists

With a mix of youth and experience, the team eyes its first title. “We’ll keep fighting,” vows Obol. “Championship gold is inevitable.”

A Movement Bigger Than Basketball

The Namuwongo Blazers have already changed Ugandan basketball forever. Their journey, marked by resilience and community spirit, has inspired a new generation of players and fans.

With their continued quest for the NBL title and aspirations for BAL, the Blazers are not just a team to watch—they are a force redefining Ugandan basketball.

Join the movement. Witness history. Support the Nam Blazers.