Ebola strips Uganda to lose FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V hosting rights

Uganda has officially lost the right to host the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers after FIBA Africa withdrew the tournament from the country due to concerns surrounding the recent Ebola outbreak.

The decision was confirmed by the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), which said the continental governing body acted following consultations and assessments of the public health situation in Uganda.

The tournament, which had initially been scheduled to take place in Uganda, has now been reassigned to Egypt and will be held from June 10 to June 15, 2026.

The move represents a major setback for Ugandan basketball, which had been preparing to host one of the region’s most important youth competitions.

Earlier this year, Uganda had been awarded hosting rights for the event, with the newly developed Hoima City Arena expected to stage the competition.

Organizers had already begun preparations to welcome teams, officials, and supporters from across East Africa before the unexpected change of venue was announced.

In its statement, FUBA expressed disappointment with the decision but thanked the Government of Uganda, sponsors, volunteers, partners, organizing committees, and the wider basketball community for their support throughout the planning process.

The federation also pledged to continue preparing Uganda’s national teams for the competition despite losing home-court advantage.

The Zone V Qualifiers are regarded as one of the most competitive youth basketball tournaments in Africa.

The event serves as a qualification pathway to the FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship, where the continent’s best young players compete for regional glory and the opportunity to showcase their talents on a larger stage.

According to FIBA’s qualification structure, seven countries are expected to participate in the Zone V tournament.

These include Uganda, Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan. The teams will battle for qualification spots at the continental championship later this year.

Egypt enters the competition as one of the favorites, boasting a strong history in African youth basketball and having previously won multiple continental titles.

Rwanda will also be among the teams to watch after making significant progress in recent years and continuing efforts to strengthen its youth basketball programs.

Meanwhile, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan will be aiming to secure qualification and further establish themselves among the region’s emerging basketball nations.

The relocation of the tournament to Egypt presents logistical challenges for participating federations, many of which had already begun preparing for travel to Uganda.

However, FIBA Africa believes the move is necessary to ensure the health and safety of players, officials, and supporters.

As preparations shift to Egypt, attention will now focus on the teams’ final training camps and squad selections.

Joseph Morris Vicent