The Ugandan basketball community continues to mourn the loss of one of its most promising young talents, Michael Makumbi, who will be laid to rest today, Thursday, May 29, in his ancestral home of Nakatooke, Bya village in Butambala district.
The 22-year-old Silverbacks prospect passed away on April 20 in Winnipeg, Canada, after suffering a blood clot.
Makumbi’s final journey began on Wednesday, May 28, with a touching memorial service held at All Saints Cathedral in Nakasero.
The service brought together a cross-section of Uganda’s sports fraternity, including Sports Minister Peter Ogwang, former teammates, family members and friends, all of whom came to pay their final respects.
In emotional tributes shared during the service, Makumbi was remembered as a humble and disciplined young man whose talent and work ethic made him stand out both on and off the court.
His commitment to excellence was praised, and he was described as a beacon of hope for the next generation of Ugandan basketball players.
Later that evening, a vigil was held at the family residence in Najjera, where friends and well-wishers gathered in solemn reflection, sharing fond memories of a player whose journey had touched many hearts.
Makumbi had been on an impressive upward trajectory in his basketball career.
After emerging as a standout performer at Ndejje Senior Secondary School between 2016 and 2021, he relocated to Canada to pursue both academic and athletic advancement.
His talent blossomed further overseas, culminating in his appearance for Uganda at the 2024 FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Africa, where he earned widespread praise as one of the competition’s breakout stars.
FUBA, in a statement following his death, described Makumbi as a “gifted and dedicated player” whose discipline and character embodied the best of Ugandan basketball.
His untimely passing, the federation noted, was not just a loss to his family and teammates, but to the entire sport in Uganda.
