The Uganda Silverbacks have unveiled an 11-player squad for the opening window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers, set to take place from February 26 to March 1, 2026, in Alexandria, Egypt.
Team manager Albert Ahabwe announced the roster live on NBS Sport’s Sport This Morning show today, February 16, with the 12th and final spot expected to be filled by tomorrow once licensing formalities are completed.
The squad blends experienced veterans, local talent, and a high-profile naturalised addition, signaling a focus on both immediate competitiveness and long-term development under new head coach Goran Lojo.
The roster is led by captain Robinson Opong Odock, and features a strong representation from domestic powerhouse City Oilers, with four players: Fayed Baale, Joel Kayira, Titus Lual Odeke, and Edgar Munaba, hailing from the club.
Peter Obleng from Namuwongo Blazers is the other home-based player in the contingent, alongside internationally-based Deng Geu, Komagum Jonathan, Rugette Tejan Joel, and Lubowa Naseef.
Notably, another home based player expected to take the final and 12th slot.
The standout inclusion is Nike Dejur Sibande, a newly naturalised Ugandan player making his national team debut.
The guard, who currently competes professionally for Niners Chemnitz in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga and the EuroCup, brings elite-level experience to the backcourt.
Sibande enjoyed a standout college career at Miami University and the University of Pittsburgh, where he earned ACC Sixth Man of the Year honors, before embarking on a professional journey across Europe, including stints in Finland, Greece, Turkey, and Spain.
“We always look to have guys who are going to be in the squad for many years,” Team Manager Albert Ahabwe emphasized during the unveiling on NBS Sport.
“The veterans named in the squad like Robinson Opong and Deng have been with us since their junior days, and we’re bringing in young guys to also develop with the squad,” he added.
The Silverbacks will assemble for a one week training camp in Alexandria starting Thursday, February 19, ahead of a challenging Group D schedule at the Borg Al Arab Sports Hall.
Uganda opens against hosts Egypt on February 26, followed by clashes with powerhouse Angola and Mali in Group D, as they chase qualification for the expanded 2027 FIBA World Cup.
The technical bench features Bosnian tactician Goran Lojo as head coach, marking his first campaign in charge after succeeding American Georges Galanopoulos last month.
Lojo is supported by first assistant Mandy Juruni, second assistant/video analyst Armin Secerovic, third assistant Andrew Tendo, and team manager Albert Ahabwe.
Uganda Silverbacks Squad:
1. Fayed Baale
2. Kayira Joel
3. Titus Lual Odeke
4. Deng Geu
5. Komagum Jonathan
6. Obleng Peter (Namuwongo Blazers)
7. Robinson Opong Odock (Captain)
8. Rugette Tejan Joel
9. Sibande Nike Dejur
10. Edgar Munaba
11. Lubowa Naseef
