Namuwongo Blazers will carry Uganda's hopes when the country hosts the Road to Basketball Africa League qualifiers for the first time at the Hoima City Arena from October 23-26. The Ugandan champions will play in East Division Group D after confirming their participation in a letter signed on September 21 by club chief executive officer Daniel Muttu Obol.
"We are honored to represent Uganda in this prestigious competition for the second consecutive year and remain fully committed to preparing and competing at the highest level," Obol said. He added that hosting the qualifiers presents a significant opportunity to showcase the growth of Ugandan basketball, with the club set to work closely with FIBA Africa, the National Council of Sports, FUBA and other stakeholders.
Namuwongo face Urunani BBC of Burundi, Patriots BBC of South Sudan, COSPN BBC of Madagascar and Ushundzi BBC of Comoros, with the top two advancing to the Elite 16 tournament in Nairobi from November 24-29. Uganda had attempted to host in 2022, but the event was moved to Tanzania because of an Ebola outbreak.
The Blazers have risen rapidly since forming in 2014. They earned promotion to the National Basketball League in 2019 and won their first title in 2025 before successfully defending it this year with an 81-74 overtime win over City Oilers in Game Seven in Hoima. Their 2025 Road to BAL campaign ended at the Elite 16 stage in Nairobi.
