Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, held discussions with NBA Africa Chief Executive Claire Akamanzi in Kigali on advancing basketball development in Uganda and across the continent. The meeting took place during Muhoozi’s visit to Rwanda over the weekend, where he also met President Paul Kagame and other senior leaders from various sectors. Among the key issues discussed was a proposal to collaborate with Uganda’s Ministry of Education and Sports to establish a Junior NBA League. The initiative is expected to help nurture young basketball talent while promoting values such as teamwork, discipline, leadership and a strong work ethic. The engagement aligns with NBA Africa’s broader strategy of working with governments and private-sector partners to increase investment in sports infrastructure, digital innovation, the creative economy and hospitality. Uganda has already been represented in the NBA-backed Basketball Africa League (BAL) by City Oilers and Namuwongo Blazers. In a related development, Ugandan broadcasters UBC and NBS are set to begin airing NBA games from September.
