Uganda’s basketball community is mourning the death of teenage player Maxine Modesty Anyango, who passed away on Thursday, May 14, at the age of 18.
Anyango had emerged as one of the country’s most promising young basketball players through her performances for St. Noa Girls Secondary School and Uganda’s national youth teams.
Her death came days after she sustained a knee injury while representing St. Noa Girls during the USSSA National Ball Games, where the school reached the girls’ basketball final. She had reportedly undergone surgery following the injury, although the exact cause and circumstances surrounding her death had not been officially confirmed by Friday.
Born on December 17, 2007, Anyango lived in Kamwokya and attended St. Noa Girls Secondary School in Zzana, where she became one of the standout players in the school’s basketball programme.
She rose to national prominence with the Junior Gazelles. She was named Most Valuable Player at the 2024 FIBA Zone V Women’s U18 Qualifiers in Lugogo after helping Uganda secure qualification for the continental finals.
Anyango later featured prominently as Uganda finished fourth at the 2024 FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket in South Africa, performances that strengthened her reputation as one of the country’s brightest basketball prospects.
She also earned a call-up to the senior Gazelles setup for the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers and participated in Basketball Without Borders camps and 3×3 competitions.
Known for her athleticism, scoring ability and leadership on court, Anyango was widely regarded as part of a new generation expected to drive the continued rise of women’s basketball in Uganda.
Tributes continued to pour in from teammates, coaches, schools and sports organisations, many describing her as hardworking, disciplined and passionate about the game.
Her death has left players and supporters across Uganda shocked, with many remembering a young athlete whose career appeared destined for even greater heights.
