Hoima Arena to host 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has officially confirmed that Uganda will host the upcoming FIBA AfroBasket U18 Zone V Qualifiers.

In a move that takes international basketball outside the capital, the regional championship is set to be staged at the Hoima Arena within the Hoima City Stadium.

The tournament, scheduled to run from June 14 to 20, 2026, serves as the primary gateway for youth teams in the region to secure a spot in the prestigious FIBA U18 AfroBasket final tournament.

Uganda enters the 2026 qualifiers with a legacy of dominance. The country previously hosted the event in 2024 at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, where the Junior Silverbacks (boys) and Junior Gazelles (girls) swept the competition to emerge as regional champions.

By moving the event to the Hoima Arena, FUBA aims to decentralise the sport and tap into the growing basketball fan base in Western Uganda.

A total of 11 nations are expected to converge in Hoima, bringing together the top youth talent from across East Africa and the Horn of Africa.

The participating countries include: Uganda (Host), Egypt, Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia.

With powerhouses like Egypt and rising stars from South Sudan in the mix, the Junior Silverbacks and Gazelles face a stiff challenge in their quest to retain their titles.

Both the boys’ and girls’ categories will play in a round-robin or group format (to be finalised by FIBA) to determine who moves on to the continental stage.

The week-long event is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy in Hoima City, highlighting Uganda’s growing capacity to host international sporting fixtures across multiple venues.

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