Namuwongo Blazers begin their quest for a place in the 2027 Basketball Africa League on October 21 when the East Division Group D qualifiers tip off at Hoima City Stadium Arena. The reigning Ugandan league champions will face Urunani BC of Burundi, Patriots BC of South Sudan, COSPN of Madagascar and Ushundzi Basket of Comoros in a single round-robin format over five days.
The top two finishers advance to the East Division Elite 16, scheduled for November 17-22 in Nairobi. The top two from that stage will qualify for the 2027 BAL season, organised by FIBA and NBA Africa. Two matches will be played daily at 4pm and 7pm, with tickets priced at 25,000, 50,000 and 150,000 shillings for ordinary, VIP and VVIP categories respectively.
FUBA chief executive officer Marcus Kwizera described the tournament as a major milestone for Ugandan basketball and a chance to showcase the country's ability to stage international events. Namuwongo Blazers chief executive officer Daniel Muttu Obel said the club has recruited Congolese point guard John Jordan, American shooting guard Richard Park, Nigerian centre Peter Olisemeka and Senegalese power forward Mobikta Gueye to strengthen the squad.
Team captain Paul "MacGyver" Odong said the national championship win and recruitment drive have boosted confidence ahead of the tournament. Patriots BC of South Sudan are the first visiting delegation to arrive in Uganda, with secretary general Marchar Alier Anyang rallying South Sudanese communities in East Africa to attend.
