Uganda’s basketball development plans have gained fresh momentum after the country’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba , held discussions with NBA Africa Chief Executive Officer Claire Akamanzi in Kigali on strengthening cooperation in sports development. The meeting, which followed earlier discussions held in Uganda in March, focused on expanding the partnership between NBA Africa and the Ugandan government to professionalise basketball, improve opportunities for young players and develop the sport’s ecosystem. One of th

Uganda’s basketball development plans have gained fresh momentum after the country’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations,

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba

, held discussions with

NBA Africa Chief Executive Officer Claire Akamanzi

in Kigali on strengthening cooperation in sports development. The meeting, which followed earlier discussions held in Uganda in March, focused on expanding the partnership between NBA Africa and the Ugandan government to professionalise basketball, improve opportunities for young players and develop the sport’s ecosystem. One of the key proposals discussed was the establishment of a

Junior NBA League in Uganda

in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports. The initiative would target secondary school students by introducing organised basketball competitions while promoting values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership and commitment. NBA Africa has been working with African governments and private sector partners to grow basketball on the continent through investment in infrastructure, youth development programmes and business opportunities linked to sports. The discussions in Kigali also covered possible cooperation in areas including sports facilities, digital platforms, hospitality, tourism and creative industries, sectors expected to benefit from increased investment in basketball. Uganda has already made progress in continental basketball, with

City Oilers

and

Namuwongo Blazers

representing the country in the

Basketball Africa League (BAL)

, the NBA-backed continental competition. The meeting comes as basketball visibility in Uganda is expected to increase, with

UBC and NBS Television

set to begin broadcasting NBA games from September. The expanded coverage is expected to attract more young people to the sport and inspire a new generation of players.

Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba and NBA Africa CEO Claire Akamanzi discuss plans to strengthen basketball development, including a proposed Junior NBA League.

Officials believe that combining international exposure with grassroots programmes such as the proposed Junior NBA League could help Uganda build a stronger talent pipeline and compete more effectively in African basketball.

A little more informed. A little more connected.