The funeral arrangements for Michael Makumbi, the Uganda Silverbacks’ rising star who passed away in Canada last month, have been finalized, with services set to begin this Wednesday in Kampala.
Makumbi, 22, died on 20 April 2025 in Winnipeg, Canada due to a blood clot.
His untimely death shocked Uganda’s basketball community and beyond, drawing widespread tributes from teammates, fans, and the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), who hailed him as a talented and dedicated player.
According to the amended program, a church service will be held on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, at All Saints Cathedral, Nakasero, starting at 2:00 PM. A vigil will follow later that evening in Najjeera, beginning at 6:00 PM.
Makumbi will be laid to rest on Thursday, 29 May 2025, at his ancestral home in Nakatooke, Bya, in the Butambala district. The burial ceremony is scheduled to start at 12:00 PM.
The funeral program was adjusted following changes in flight arrangements for the repatriation of his body from Canada to Uganda.
Born and raised in Uganda, Makumbi studied at Ndejje Senior Secondary School between 2016 and 2021 before relocating to Canada to pursue further opportunities both in academics and basketball.
He notably represented Uganda at the 2024 FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Africa, showcasing his potential as a future star of the game.