The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has announced the U16 Uganda National Teams (Men and Women) that will take part in the FIBA Africa U16 Nations Championships Qualifiers set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda from June 10-15, 2019.
The boys have been undergoing training at Gems Cambridge (non-residential) and a residential camp for the girls at African Bible University in Lubowa. Both teams are confident about raising the nation’s flag high when they compete at the tournament.
The teams will face competition from participating nations in the Zone 5 category which include; Burundi, Egypt, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
“We are confident that the teams will go out there and do a good job. We have put together good teams and we are expecting to meet government next week to negotiate for funding for the teams to be able to travel.” Said the Chairman National Team Committee Hajji Mohammed Santur
The Ugandan sides will depart for Kigali on June 8, 2019 and they will need to finish among the top teams to qualify for the FIBA Africa U16 Nations Championship 2019 edition.
“In a bid to develop basketball from the grassroots level, it is important that we compete in such competitions like U16. This is the first time that we are competing in the U16 for both boys and girls. It is our plan that majority of this group is kept together as a unit and competes in the U18 next year.” said Nasser Sserujongi, the FUBA president.
“By doing so we shall have continuous progress in terms of development. We wish both our teams’ success. We are grateful to the Government of Uganda through the National Council of Sports for the continuous support they have offered our National Team programs over the years.” He added
The Junior Silverbacks team consists of 18 players while the Junior Gazelles team has 15 players.
Below are the full squads:
Boys (Junior Silverbacks): Valentino Labeja, Musoke Muwanguzi Luswata Owor, Karugire Mugina Tibuhaburwa, Rwabwogo Mumutiine Rubanza, Alexi Twahili, Anguci Dralega, Mpungu Cyril Francis Akusambirekubo, Justine Evan Odoch, Moustapha Lalani, Micah Owiny Abraham Agoroachai, Joel Andinda, Sharma Suubi, Andrew Ssendawula, Roland Muwanguzi Waliggo, Frank Elvis Tumusiime, Adrian Nsokwa David, Adakun Elijah Obware, Harold Amara.
Coaches: Ronald Mutebi and Henry Malinga.
Girls (Junior Gazelles): Esther Kwagala, Mary Najjuma, Linda Aber, Shillah Lamunu, Patience Karungi, Gertrude Nyamutooro, Sylvia Nasagorworth, Sylvia Namuddu, Rwabogo Kendagano, Regina Ajuma, Penitah Nabakooza, Patience Nantume, Gift Naluyima Bisoboka, Mary Najuma, Alinda Mutabazi
Coaches: Roger Sserunyigo and Harriet Lubowa.
