The Uganda Gazelles, the country’s national women’s basketball team, have officially named their final 12-player roster ahead of the highly anticipated FIBA Women’s Zone V Qualifiers set to take place in Cairo, Egypt.
With a mix of experience and youthful energy, the team is gearing up to challenge for a spot at the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket finals.
Head coach Nick Natuhereza has carefully selected a squad that brings together seven locally based players and five who play professionally abroad.
This balance of homegrown talent and international experience is expected to provide the Gazelles with the versatility needed for the tough competition ahead.
The home-based contingent of the Gazelles features players from some of Uganda’s most prominent basketball clubs. Leading the charge is JKL Dolphins, who have dominated the National Basketball League this season.
Their star players Hope Akello, Karen Becky Longom, and Agatha Kamwada have been selected to represent Uganda, bringing with them a wealth of experience.
Additionally, Sheila Lamunu (from UCU) and Shakira Nanvubya (from JT Jaguars) bring their own flair to the team, both of whom have been key contributors in their respective clubs.
Rounding out the local squad are young talents Maxine Anyango and Bushira Namayanja.
The two have gained recognition for their performances with the U18 national team and will be eager to show their potential on the senior stage.
The foreign-based players bring invaluable experience, particularly with the squad’s leaders Jane Asinde, Robinson Paige, Jamila Nansikombi, Claire Lamunu, and Mellisa Akullo.
These athletes have honed their skills at various international clubs, and their expertise will be critical in ensuring the Gazelles are competitive on the continental stage.
Technical Team and Backroom Staff
The Gazelles’ technical team has remained consistent, with Nick Natuhereza at the helm as head coach. He is supported by Julius Lutwama as assistant coach, while Ben Komakech continues to serve as the video analyst.
The backroom staff includes Vicky Ntale as the team manager, Vincent Etyang as team doctor, and Flavia Nakacwa as physiotherapist, all ensuring that the team has the necessary support to perform at their best.
Ahead of their qualifiers, the Gazelles have been training intensely at Lugogo Indoor Stadium, with their preparations which began on January 21st.
The team is focused on building cohesion and fine-tuning strategies in order to meet the challenges they will face in Egypt.
The ultimate goal for the Gazelles is to secure a spot at the FIBA Women’s Afrobasket finals. Should they succeed, this will mark Uganda’s fourth appearance on the continental stage, with previous participations in 1997, 2015, and 2023.
The team is eager to build on their recent successes and continue to make strides in African basketball.
The Gazelles’ journey begins in Egypt, where they will compete against some of the continent’s top teams in a bid to qualify for the tournament.
Final Gazelles Squad for FIBA Women’s Zone V Qualifiers:
- Jane Asinde
- Hope Akello
- Paige Robinson
- Shakira Nanvubya
- Sheila Lamunu
- Maxine Anyango
- Jamilah Nansikombi
- Agatha Kamwada
- Melisa Akullo
- Bushira Namayanja
- Becky Longom
- Claire Lamunu
The Gazelles are now in Egypt, awaiting the start of their qualification which will take place at the Hassan Mostafa Arena in Cairo from February 3rd to 8th, 2025.
To note, only the top team will secure a spot in the final tournament in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
