Uganda Crushes Guinea in AfroBasket Opener, Sets Eyes on Senegal Clash
Leading Uganda’s charge was the explosive forward Melisa Akullu, who delivered a statement performance with a game-high 26 points and 7 rebounds in just 22 minutes on the court. Her physicality, speed, and court awareness made her virtually unstoppable, helping Uganda set the tone early in the match. “Our coaching staff had prepared us well before the tournament and we knew we needed to secure the win in this match because we play Senegal next and from then on we meet tougher teams. We came with that mindset, found each other, and I’m glad we got the win,” Akullu said post-game.
Uganda’s national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, began their 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Guinea 88-51 in their opening Group B fixture on Sunday afternoon in Abidjan. This marks Uganda’s first time participating in back-to-back editions of the tournament, and the team has made it clear that they intend to surpass their previous seventh-place finish in Kigali (2023).
Leading Uganda’s charge was the explosive forward Melisa Akullu, who delivered a statement performance with a game-high 26 points and 7 rebounds in just 22 minutes on the court. Her physicality, speed, and court awareness made her virtually unstoppable, helping Uganda set the tone early in the match.
“Our coaching staff had prepared us well before the tournament and we knew we needed to secure the win in this match because we play Senegal next and from then on we meet tougher teams. We came with that mindset, found each other, and I’m glad we got the win,” Akullu said post-game.
The Gazelles stormed out of the gates, winning the first quarter 29-19 with slick offensive execution and high-pressure defense. Head Coach Nicholas Natuhereza’s squad ratcheted up their defensive intensity in the second quarter, limiting Guinea to just 12 points while adding 21 to their own tally. At halftime, Uganda led comfortably at 45-31.
Uganda delivered a knockout blow in the third quarter, going on a 22-0 run to begin the frame, before eventually outscoring Guinea 28-8 in the period. The fourth quarter served more as a formality, with Uganda rotating its bench while keeping up the defensive effort.
Beyond Akullu’s brilliance, Jane Asinde, the team captain and Zone V MVP, had a strong showing with 15 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, showcasing her all-around ability. Makeshift point guard Perus Nyamwenge controlled the tempo of the game efficiently, contributing 7 assists and 4 steals, stepping up in the absence of more experienced playmakers.
In a show of Uganda’s team depth, all players but one—Agatha Kamwada—got on the scoresheet.
On the opposing side, Guinea’s Masseny Kaba tried to mount a resistance with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Aicha Maara added 11 points and 6 assists, but the West Africans were outmatched in nearly every department.
This year marks a significant milestone for Ugandan women’s basketball. For the first time, the Gazelles are featuring in consecutive Women’s AfroBasket tournaments—a clear testament to the program’s growth and resilience.
After a wildcard entry in 2023, where they stunned many by defeating Senegal in the group stage and finishing a respectable seventh, Uganda qualified outright in 2025 as Zone V champions, defeating regional powerhouse Egypt in Cairo earlier this year. That hard-fought qualification has injected the team with belief, hunger, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Team captain Jane Asinde, who was named MVP of the Zone V qualifiers, has remained a beacon of leadership and consistency. She averaged 18.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in the qualifiers and recorded a dominant double-double (19 points, 12 rebounds) in the final against Egypt. Her all-around skillset and competitiveness are central to Uganda’s aspirations.
Also bolstering the team are returning stars Melissa Akullu, Claire Lamunu, Hope Akello, and Jamila Nansikombi, whose international experience will be pivotal against top-tier opponents.
Newcomer Paige Robinson, though making her AfroBasket debut, is expected to play a key role. However, the absence of Jannon Otto—the top scorer from the 2023 edition (21.3 PPG)—due to personal reasons, leaves a scoring void Uganda hopes to fill collectively.
Uganda’s next game on Monday is a blockbuster against record African champions Senegal—a team the Gazelles famously edged 85-83 during the 2023 group stage. That win was one of the highlights of Uganda’s AfroBasket history, but as Akullu rightly noted:
“We beat Senegal in 2023, but this is a different team and the game has grown. We are coming with a new mindset. We want to take care of the little things, follow the game plan, rebound, execute on both defense and offense, and with that we will be able to compete on Monday.”
Senegal will come into the game with vengeance on their mind, but Uganda’s confidence is buoyed by improved chemistry, better preparation, and rising ambition.
Uganda’s AfroBasket Journey: A Glance Back
1997 – 9th place (Debut; hosted in Nairobi, Kenya)
2015 – 10th place
2023 – 7th place (Wildcard entry; notable win over Senegal) 2
025 – Qualified as Zone V champions; aiming for semifinals and beyond
Uganda’s Gazelles have come a long way from underdogs to contenders. With a solid blend of youth, experience, and strategic coaching from Nick Natuhereza, the East African side is not just aiming to participate, but to compete for a semifinal spot and potentially podium finish.
If their opening performance against Guinea is anything to go by, then the rest of Africa should take notice: the Gazelles are here, and they mean business.
Next Fixture:
Monday, July 28, 2025
Uganda vs Senegal
