Uganda’s rise in African basketball didn’t happen overnight it was a product of deliberate restructuring, inspired leadership, and grassroots revival. Just a few years ago, both the Silverbacks (men’s team) and Gazelles (women’s team) were struggling with funding issues, inconsistent performances, and poor infrastructure. Fast forward to 2024, and Uganda now boasts two of the most exciting national basketball teams on the continent.
So, what changed? Here’s a full rewind on how Uganda’s national basketball programs were successfully revamped.
1. Leadership Reset: A New Federation Vision
The turning point came when the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) adopted a more professional and transparent model. With new leadership, came a renewed commitment to performance, accountability, and visibility.
FUBA’s partnerships with corporate sponsors like NCS, City Tyres, and Tusker Lite injected both cash and confidence into the sport. Clearer long-term planning, improved calendar management, and increased visibility across media platforms helped revive public trust and attract new talent.
“We realized the national team is not just a group of players—it’s a brand that can unite and inspire the country,” said one FUBA executive.
2. Investing in Coaches & Systems
Revamping the teams meant rethinking how they were coached. Instead of short-term coaching contracts and last-minute training camps, Uganda invested in qualified, long-term coaches with international exposure.
For the Silverbacks, the appointment of George Galanopoulos, an assistant coach from the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, was a game-changer. His tactics, combined with local assistants, helped establish a clear system of play and brought structure to the squad.
On the women’s side, Coach Alberto Antuña, with his vast experience in Europe and Africa, was given time and support to build a winning formula with the Gazelles—one that prioritized player development, spacing, and basketball IQ.
3. Diaspora Talent + Local Development
Uganda began scouting players not only from the local league but also from the diaspora. Dual nationals and Ugandans born abroad especially in the USA, Canada, and Europe—were actively recruited to join the national teams.
Stars like Arthur Kaluma, Ishmail Wainright, Jannon Otto, and Claire Lamunu brought a new level of physicality, professionalism, and experience. Their presence elevated the team’s confidence and gave local players something to aspire to.
But it wasn’t just about foreign talent. FUBA also doubled down on youth development, strengthening school competitions, the U-18 national setup, and working closely with the National Basketball League (NBL) to prepare homegrown players for the international stage.
4. Better Preparation = Better Results
In the past, national team camps were rushed affairs. Players had little time to gel or understand systems. The revamp changed that. Now, longer training camps, international friendlies, and scientific fitness programs are standard for both teams.
The Gazelles’ recent training camp in Egypt ahead of AfroBasket, and the Silverbacks’ friendly tour in Turkey before the FIBA qualifiers, are proof that proper preparation = performance.
The results speak for themselves:
- The Silverbacks reached the AfroBasket quarterfinals in 2021 for the first time.
- The Gazelles returned to AfroBasket after years of absence and made it past the group stages in 2023.
Wrap up: A Blueprint for African Basketball Growth
Uganda’s national basketball revamp has become a case study in how emerging nations can build competitive teams with limited resources. By combining visionary leadership, smart recruitment, grassroots support, and intentional development, Uganda has created something special.
Now, with more eyes on the Silverbacks and Gazelles than ever before, the challenge will be sustaining momentum, building depth, and ensuring the systems outlive any single generation of players.
But one thing is certain: Uganda is no longer a basketball underdog. It’s a rising powerhouse.
