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| Hoima Indoor Arena |
Uganda’s aspirations of hosting the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers have suffered a devastating blow after FIBA Africa stripped the country of its hosting rights, citing public health anxieties over the ongoing Ebola concern.
The regional youth tournament, originally slated to showcase Uganda’s newly minted Hoima City Arena, has been abruptly relocated to Egypt and will now run from June 10 to 15, 2026.
In a statement confirming the relocation, FIBA Africa emphasised that the safety and well-being of young athletes, technical officials and travelling delegations remained the governing body’s top priority.
The decision follows a surge in regional health concerns linked to the Ebola strain.
While the outbreak originated in the neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, recent confirmed cases and exposures within Uganda prompted local health authorities to implement strict surveillance and containment protocols.
Faced with an unpredictable health landscape, continental basketball officials opted to move the tournament to safer ground.
The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) confirmed the development on Sunday, expressing profound disappointment while acknowledging the necessity of the decision.
The news is a bitter pill to swallow for local sports sub-sectors. The newly constructed Hoima City Arena was expected to make its international debut with this tournament, a milestone intended to market Hoima as a premier regional sporting destination.
The event was set to draw top youth talent from across East Africa, including Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan.
Beyond the logistical and economic disappointment, the decision robs Uganda of a critical competitive edge.
In 2024, the Junior Silverbacks and Junior Gazelles capitalised on passionate home support to sweep both the boys’ and girls’ Zone V titles.
Now, Uganda’s reigning champions must defend their regional supremacy on foreign soil.
Despite the setback, FUBA officials maintained a resilient outlook, thanking fans, corporate partners, and stakeholders for their understanding.
The federation pledged its unyielding support to the youth squads as they pivot from hosts to international travelers.
With the qualifiers just days away, the focus shifts entirely to Cairo. FUBA is expected to release the final travel itineraries and logistical arrangements for the Ugandan contingent in the coming days as the teams prepare to fight for a coveted spot in the continental AfroBasket finals.
- EDWIN KYLE KULE
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