The highly anticipated 2025 Mountain Dew UG 3×3 Basketball Series is back, and it’s stepping onto the court with even greater energy, expanded reach, and heftier rewards for Uganda’s emerging basketball stars.
Following a groundbreaking debut in 2024, organizers Red Rhino Sports, in collaboration with the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), have unveiled an exciting new format.
This year’s competition will span four regional qualifiers, in Kampala, Mukono, Gulu, and Mbarara, leading up to a spectacular national finale on December 13, 2025.
Each regional stop will feature a UGX 2 million prize pool, with the men’s and women’s champions walking away with UGX 500,000 apiece and an automatic berth in the grand finale.
The climactic showdown will up the ante, rewarding UGX 2 million to the overall champions and UGX 1 million to the runners-up, alongside special prizes for standout individual performances.
According to Samuel Akwech, Director at Red Rhino Sports, the event continues to serve as a springboard for the next generation of basketball talent.
“This tournament gives players a chance to showcase their skills, entertain fans, and win prizes. We’re thrilled to bring back an event that celebrates youth basketball across the country,” he said.
FUBA General Secretary Hudson Ssegamwenge hailed the initiative for its role in strengthening grassroots basketball and aligning Uganda with global trends.
“3×3 basketball is one of the fastest-growing formats globally. With more events like this, we can strengthen our local structures and even target Olympic qualification,” he noted.
Since being recognized as an Olympic sport in 2020, 3×3 basketball has rapidly gained traction worldwide, and Uganda has been no exception. The country has already staged prestigious competitions, including the 2024 Africa University 3×3 Championship and the FIBA 3×3 Nations League, reinforcing its reputation as a rising hub for the fast-paced game.
The 2025 edition of the Mountain Dew series will be open to players under 25 years, with each team comprising four members. Registration has been pegged at UGX 20,000, and each team must feature at least two Ugandan nationals and no more than two National Basketball League players.
With more stops, more action, and bigger rewards on the line, the 2025 UG 3×3 Series promises to be a slam dunk for Ugandan basketball.
