Uganda will host the Road to Basketball Africa League (BAL) Division D qualifiers at the Hoima City Arena from 21 to 25 October 2026. The tournament, authorised by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the NBA Africa, brings together five clubs from across the continent, including Uganda's National Basketball League champions Namuwongo Blazers, Patriots Basketball Club from South Sudan, Burundi Basketball Club, Cospin from Madagascar and Oshinzi Basket from Comoros.
Namuwongo Blazers secured hosting rights after a successful bid, marking the first time Uganda has hosted a Road to BAL tournament at the new international-standard Hoima City Arena. The top two teams will advance to the Elite 16 as they continue their push for a place in the continental league's finals.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Uganda Media Centre, Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) CEO Marcus Kwikiriza said the event offers Uganda a chance to showcase its sports infrastructure, hospitality and tourism attractions, particularly in Hoima, the country's oil city. He linked the choice of venue to a broader push to decentralise sport beyond Kampala, citing preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and the development of multipurpose facilities as openings to strengthen basketball, volleyball and netball.
Blazers CEO Daniel Muttu Obol said hosting would give Ugandan fans a rare chance to watch continental basketball at home. The club has strengthened its squad with four international players: a Congolese point guard, an American shooting guard, a Nigerian big man and a Senegalese power forward. "We don't want to host and not qualify," Obol said. Tickets are priced at UGX 25,000 for ordinary admission, UGX 50,000 for VIP and UGX 150,000 for VVIP or courtside seating, available through the Ticket platform with payment via MTN Mobile Money, Airtel Pay, Visa and Mastercard.
