Debutant Sibande Nike Dejur will lead Uganda’s charge as the Silverbacks begin their journey in the qualifiers for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
The American-born guard takes up the team’s naturalised slot, previously held by players like Ishmail Wainright and Brandon Davies.
His arrival signals a new chapter as Uganda chase a first-ever World Cup appearance in Doha.
Sibande currently plays for Niners Chemnitz in Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga and the EuroCup. He brings European experience, scoring ability and calmness to the Silverbacks’ backcourt.
The 11-man squad, with one slot still to be confirmed before Thursday’s training camp in Alexandria, blends foreign based talent with a strong local core.
Home-based players include Fayed Baale, Joel Kayiira, Titus Lual Odeke, Peter Obleng and Edgar Munaaba, all established names in Uganda’s domestic league.
Uganda is one of 16 African nations fighting for five World Cup spots. The Silverbacks have been drawn in Group D alongside Mali, Angola and Egypt, with the group games set for the Borg Al Arab Sports Hall in Alexandria.
The qualifiers will be played over five windows. In the first round, teams will play six games across three windows in November 2025, February 2026 and July 2026.
The top three teams in each group advance to the second round, carrying their results forward.
The second round will be played in August 2026 and February 2027. After 12 games, the top two teams in each group and the best third placed side will qualify for Doha.
The team will be guided by new head coach Goran Lojo, assisted by Mandy Juruni, Armin Secerovic and Andrew Tendo.
Full Silverbacks Team
FIBA WORLD CUP 2027 QUALIFIERS
SILVERBACKS ROSTER
1. Fayed Baale
2. Joel Kayira
3. Titus Lual Odeke
4. Deng Geu
5. Jonathan Komagum
6. Peter Obleng
7. Robinson Opong Odoch
8. Joel Rugette Tejan
9. Sibande Nike Dejur
10. Edgar Munaaba
11. Naseef Lubowa
Technical Team
- Head Coach: Lojo Goran
- 1st Asst Coach: Mandy Juruni
- 2nd Asst/Video Analyst: Secerovic Armin
- 3rd Asst Coach: Andrew Tendo
