The Namuwongo Blazers Basketball Club has joined forces with the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) to launch a transformative six-month program in the Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, home to thousands of refugees from Sudan and other neighboring countries.
The initiative aims to use basketball as a tool for healing, unity, and talent development among some of the settlement’s most marginalized youth.
The program builds on the success of a similar trial project in Nakivale Refugee Settlement last year, where basketball clinics provided a platform for fostering resilience and social cohesion.
Based on the positive feedback and outcomes from Nakivale, the Kiryandongo initiative has been designed to expand these efforts, providing avenues for skill development, mentorship, and scholarships.
During the launch of the partnership, Blazers captain Paul Odong highlighted the importance of reaching out to marginalized communities.
“As a community-based club, we have a responsibility to inspire and pass on messages of hope. This program gives us the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people here,” he said.
The initiative will see Blazers players, both local and foreign-based, conducting basketball clinics for children and young adults.
These sessions will focus on skill development, teamwork, and leadership, while also serving as a platform to identify exceptional talent.
NRC’s Head of Programs in Uganda, Melchizedek Malile, emphasized the program’s broader objectives.
“Our partnership with Namuwongo Blazers is about training youth and equipping them with skills to become responsible leaders in their communities,” he said.
“This approach not only promotes learning but also fosters a sense of purpose and unity among participants,” he added.
The partnership also includes a strong focus on inclusivity, with efforts to encourage the participation of female players to ensure diversity and equal opportunities.
The program aims to replicate success stories like those of Chuol Nyot and Peter Malek Cheng, who were discovered through similar initiatives and secured scholarships to prestigious institutions such as Buddo Secondary School and Bugema University.
By creating such opportunities, the collaboration hopes to inspire young refugees to dream beyond their circumstances.
Namuwongo Blazers CEO Daniel Muttu Obol underscored the importance of partnerships in driving these initiatives.
“By being innovative and consistent in our community efforts, we attract organizations like NRC to support our mission. These partnerships not only build our brand but also create pathways for athletes to transition successfully into life beyond basketball,” he stated.
The program, funded for six months, seeks to leave a lasting legacy by combining the power of sports with community-building.
Beyond physical and mental well-being, it aims to create a network of young leaders capable of driving change within and beyond their communities.
