Uganda Basketball Players Association president Paul Odong has hailed the resounding success of the inaugural UBPA All-Star Fest, an event he said marks a vital step toward unifying athletes, honouring legends and strengthening player welfare across the country.
Held on October 9, 2026, at a packed Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala, the festival drew massive crowds for a full-day programme that mixed basketball with entertainment and athlete advocacy. Organised under the theme "After the Buzzer: Life Beyond the Court," the gathering brought together current players, former icons and fans.
The day opened with a candle-lighting ceremony in tribute to fallen basketball figures. Odong used the platform to recognise those who built Ugandan basketball from the ground up while pushing for structural reforms, including enforceable contracts in place of informal verbal agreements, the resolution of financial disputes and reliable medical insurance for players.
"Our aim is to improve the ecosystem of the basketball community and see how much we can unlock as a franchise," Odong said. "But most importantly, we have come in to protect the greatest assets for the game. And those are the players."
The event materialised roughly two months after UBPA's formal registration. Odong credited his executive team, sponsors and wellness partners for delivering the vision, and confirmed that discussions are already under way to expand the festival next year. Ugandan musician King Saha performed during the closing showcase, which featured 1v1 contests, skills challenges, exhibition matches across the National Basketball League and adaptive sports, and live music.
