What was supposed to be a major sporting moment for Uganda has suddenly turned into heartbreak.
FIBA Africa has officially withdrawn Uganda’s hosting rights for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers, dealing a painful blow to local basketball fans and organizers who had been counting down to the event in Hoima.
The shock decision comes after growing concerns surrounding the recent Ebola outbreak, which has triggered caution among international sporting authorities. According to the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), FIBA Africa made the move following consultations and assessments of the prevailing public health situation.
For months, Hoima City Arena had been preparing to welcome some of the region’s best young basketball talents. Uganda had secured the hosting rights earlier this year and officials were confident the country was ready to showcase its ability to stage major continental events.
But on Sunday, that dream came crashing down.
Instead of Hoima, the tournament will now be staged in Egypt, with participating nations expected to travel there for the qualifiers.
The development is likely to spark wider conversations in Uganda’s sporting circles, especially at a time when the country is positioning itself as a destination for major international competitions.
FUBA has expressed disappointment over the decision but says it will continue supporting Uganda’s junior national teams as they prepare for the qualifiers under the new arrangements. Further guidance regarding participation is expected in the coming days.
For now, the mood in Ugandan basketball is one of frustration and disbelief.
A tournament that was supposed to bring regional basketball excitement to Hoima will instead be played hundreds of kilometres away, leaving fans wondering what might have been.