Uganda Names Squad for FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers
The squad includes a mix of home-based players and professionals playing abroad, with former NBA player Ishmail Carzell Wainright, who currently plays for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, making a return to the national team setup.
The Federation of Uganda Basketball Association (FUBA) has officially unveiled the final 12-man roster and officials who will represent the national team, the Silverbacks, in the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers set to take place in Tripoli, Libya, from February 21-23.
The squad includes a mix of home-based players and professionals playing abroad, with former NBA player Ishmail Carzell Wainright, who currently plays for Hapoel Tel Aviv in Israel, making a return to the national team setup.
Uganda faces a challenging test in Group B, where they will compete against Cape Verde, Nigeria, and Libya in the second qualification window.
Uganda’s 12-Man Squad
Jimmy Abraham Enabu(Captain)
Tony Drileba
Fayed Baale
Ishmail Carzell Wainright
Ivan Muhwezi
Opong Robinson Odoch
Peter Obleng
Emmanuel Timothy Womala
Deng John Geu
Jonathan Komagum
Joel Kayjiira
James Okello
Technical Team and Officials
Mandy Juruni Lutwama –Head Coach
Andrew Tendo Senyondwa – Assistant Coach
Ben Komakech – Video Analyst
Michael William Schmitz – Statistician
Etyang Vincent – Physiotherapist
Nasser Sserunjogi – Head of Delegation
Mohammed Ghedi Santur – General Manager
Albert Ahabwe – Team Manager
Speaking about the team’s preparations, FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi revealed that the Silverbacks will have a one-week training camp in Cairo, Egypt, before heading to Tripoli for the crucial matches.
“We are hoping that the recent success of our women’s team in the AfroBasket Zone 5 tournament will serve as motivation for the men’s team to perform beyond expectations,” Sserunjogi told Nile Chronicles.
Uganda struggled in the first qualification window last year, securing only one win. However, the team remains determined to turn things around in this phase of the qualifiers.
Match Schedule
February 21 – Uganda vs Cape Verde
February 22 – Uganda vs Nigeria
February 23 – Uganda vs Libya
Ishmail Wainright: The former Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors forward will bring much-needed experience and physicality to the Silverbacks. Jimmy Enabu: A seasoned point guard known for his leadership and playmaking ability.
Deng John Geu: A strong presence in the paint, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Uganda faces formidable opposition in Cape Verde, Nigeria, and hosts Libya. Nigeria, in particular, has a strong basketball pedigree and has consistently been one of Africa’s top basketball nations.
However, the Silverbacks remain optimistic about their chances, with a blend of experienced players and new talent hoping to secure a spot in the AfroBasket 2025 tournament in Angola.
The Silverbacks will need to deliver strong performances in Tripoli to boost their qualification hopes. Ugandan fans will be eager to see how the team fares against Africa’s basketball powerhouses, with eyes set on a historic qualification for AfroBasket 2025.
Stay tuned for more updates on Uganda’s journey in the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers!