Uganda’s ambitions of becoming a powerhouse in basketball and other sporting disciplines are being hampered by chronic infrastructural shortcomings, especially at the grassroots level.
This growing concern will be central to discussions at the upcoming State of Ugandan Sport symposium, set for September 17–18 at Next Media Park.
Organized by NBS Sport, the two-day event aims to convene key stakeholders across the sports ecosystem, including athletes, coaches, federation leaders, sponsors, and government officials, for a candid dialogue on the structural and policy issues hindering sports development in the country.
Among the most pressing challenges is the lack of modern and accessible training and competition venues.
Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) President Nasser Sserunjogi has voiced frustration over the country’s inability to host international games due to substandard facilities.
In basketball, we are having challenges with infrastructure. You find that we don’t have a stadium up to international standards. That is why we cannot host games at the continental and international levels. That is why we are always travelling to different countries like Angola, Egypt, Nigeria—because these are countries that have the facilities,” said Sserunjogi.
His sentiments are shared by Moses Okwera, coach of Rezlife Basketball Club, who emphasized the urgent need for government intervention.
He pointed out that while commitments have been made in the past, implementation remains sluggish, leaving young athletes without adequate platforms to grow and compete.
Despite incremental government efforts, several sports federations across Uganda continue to battle with outdated infrastructure, poor governance, and limited funding.
The cumulative effect has been missed opportunities, stifled talent development, and growing frustration among sports stakeholders.
The State of Ugandan Sport symposium, to be broadcast live on NBS Sport, is expected to lay bare these systemic challenges while offering a platform for solutions.
For Uganda’s young and promising athletes, the conversation could not come at a more crucial time.
