Family, friends, teammates, and fans gathered at St. Andrew’s Church in Bukoto on Tuesday to pay their final respects to Jonathan Obukunyang, the UPDF Tomahawks basketball player who died following a motor accident in Mukono District on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
The memorial service, marked by somber reflection and heartfelt tributes, brought together members of Uganda’s basketball fraternity, many of whom described Obukunyang as a dedicated athlete, a leader, and a source of encouragement both on and off the court.
Obukunyang had been a key figure in Uganda’s basketball scene for over a decade.
He began his journey with Destiny Phenoms in 2013 under coach Makanga Godwin before joining Uganda Christian University in 2014.
There, he managed to excel in both academics and sports, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees by 2017.
In 2018, he played for the JKL Dolphins before signing with the UPDF Tomahawks in 2021, where he became a core part of the team’s lineup until his death.
Mourners at the church described him as passionate, humble, and deeply committed to uplifting those around him.
Numerous tributes have poured in from across the basketball community, with teams posting condolence messages and highlighting his contributions to the sport.
We wear a black ribbon as we mourn the death of former UPDF Tomahawks player Obukumanyang Jonathan who passed away earlier today.
May his Soul rest in peace pic.twitter.com/UUOkENIqJh
— FUBA Div 1 & 2 (@FUBA_DIV1AND2) May 11, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jonathan Obukunyang, a dedicated athlete and UPDF Tomahawks player. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, teammates, and all who knew him. His spirit and love for the game will never be forgotten. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/GlDIgOJHcP
— JKL Dolphins Sports Club (@jkldolphins) May 12, 2025
We regret to announce the death of our Alumnus, Obukunyango Jonathan allegedly passed on in a motor accident.
He earned a Bachelor's and Master's of Business Administration from @UCUniversity and he was a former Canon @ucu_sports Player in the @FubaBasketball league.
May the… pic.twitter.com/eHjBvFyCTb
— UCU Alumni Association (@UCU_Alumni) May 11, 2025
From the Namuwongo Blazers Basketball Club
We are deeply saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of our dear friend and brother in the basketball community, Obukunyang Benard Jonathan, who was also the beloved brother of our supporter, Martha Sarah Angoku.
His energy,… pic.twitter.com/N43LEUuaQc
— Namuwongo Blazers (@Namblazers) May 12, 2025
