Uganda Lose Hosting Rights for 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Qualifiers Over Ebola Concerns

Uganda has been stripped of the hosting rights for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Zone V Qualifiers due to public health concerns surrounding an Ebola outbreak, FIBA Africa has announced.

The youth basketball tournament, which was scheduled to be held at the new Hoima City Arena, will now take place in Egypt from June 10 to 15, 2026.

In a statement confirming the move, FIBA Africa cited the health and safety of the young athletes, officials, and visiting delegations as its primary concern. The decision was prompted by a rise in regional health alerts related to the Ebola virus.

Although the outbreak began in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, recent cases and exposures in Uganda led local health authorities to enforce stringent surveillance and containment measures. This unpredictable situation prompted basketball's continental governing body to relocate the event.

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) confirmed the news on Sunday, expressing its deep disappointment but acknowledging the decision's necessity.

The relocation is a significant setback for the local sports community. The Hoima City Arena was set to make its international debut, a key moment intended to promote Hoima as a new regional sports hub.

The tournament was expected to feature top youth teams from across East Africa, including Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan.

Beyond the financial and logistical implications, the move also strips Uganda of its home-court advantage. In 2024, the Junior Silverbacks (boys) and Junior Gazelles (girls) leveraged strong local support to win both Zone V titles. The reigning champions will now have to defend their titles abroad.

Despite the disappointment, FUBA officials expressed resilience, thanking fans and partners for their support. The federation affirmed its commitment to the youth teams as they prepare for the challenge of competing away from home.

With the qualifiers fast approaching, all attention now turns to Cairo. FUBA is expected to announce the final travel and logistical plans for the Ugandan teams as they prepare to compete for a spot in the continental AfroBasket finals.