FIBA Africa Withdraws Uganda’s Hosting Rights for 2026 U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) has confirmed that Uganda will no longer host the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers after FIBA Africa withdrew the country’s hosting rights due to concerns arising from the recent Ebola outbreak.

In an official statement released on Saturday, FUBA revealed that following consultations and assessments conducted by FIBA Africa, the regional championship has been reassigned to Egypt.

The tournament, which was initially scheduled to be hosted by Uganda, will now take place in Egypt from June 10 to 15, 2026.

“The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) wishes to inform all participating federations, teams, stakeholders, partners, and basketball fans that FIBA Africa has officially withdrawn Uganda’s hosting rights for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers following concerns arising from the recent Ebola outbreak,” the statement read.

Before the change, the competition had been earmarked for the Hoima Arena at Hoima City Stadium, with preparations already underway to stage the regional event.

FUBA also expressed gratitude to the Government of Uganda, sponsors, partners, organising committees, volunteers, and the basketball community for their support and commitment throughout the preparation process.

Despite losing the hosting rights, Uganda is expected to participate in the tournament, with FUBA indicating that further updates regarding the national teams’ preparations and participation will be communicated through its official channels.

Uganda has recent experience hosting the competition, having successfully staged the 2024 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers at the Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala. On that occasion, both the Junior Silverbacks and Junior Gazelles were crowned champions in their respective categories.

The 2026 edition will bring together teams from across the Zone V region, including hosts Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea, and Somalia.

The qualifiers serve as a pathway to the FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship, with the region’s top-performing teams earning qualification to the continental tournament.