Basketball star Jonathan Oketch succumbs to injuries sustained in June 6 crash

JKL Dolphins guard Jonathan Oketch has passed away after succumbing to injuries sustained in a road accident earlier this month.

The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) confirmed his death on Tuesday morning in an official statement.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of basketball player Jonathan Oketch. Our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and loved ones. May God comfort you in this trying period and may Jonathan's soul rest in eternal peace," the statement read.

Oketch died on Monday night at approximately 10:30 PM.

The player was involved in a road accident on June 6 and later underwent surgery at C-Care Hospital in Mukono. He remained in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on oxygen support as doctors fought to save his life.

Over the weekend, reports circulated claiming he had already died. However, on Sunday, June 14, JKL Dolphins issued a statement confirming that he was still alive and fighting for his life, asking the public to pray for him. Despite the medical efforts, Oketch sadly succumbed to his injuries on Monday night.

When Vision Sports reached out to JKL management and asked about Oketch's contribution, impact, and character on and off the court, Executive Chairman Benjamin Charles Bagonza did not give direct comments on the player's career or personal legacy. Instead, he stated that the men's team is no longer part of JKL Sports Club, adding that the team was sold off and that the club now only manages the women's team, citing "effective management and professionalization of JKL Sports Club."

"JKL Dolphins men's team is no longer part of JKL Sports Club. The team was sold off. We only manage the women's team," he said, adding that the men's team is now being managed under coach John Omondi, who is currently with the Magic Stormers.

Oketch last featured for JKL Dolphins on June 3, where he helped his team secure an emphatic 114–75 victory over Kampala Rockets at Nakivubo. He later missed the team's most recent game, a 90–61 defeat to Rezlife Saints on June 10, as he remained in critical condition.

During the current National Basketball League season, Oketch made 17 appearances, averaging 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds per game. Before joining JKL Dolphins, he previously played for Ndejje Angels and later represented Sommet in the previous campaign.

His death is a devastating loss to Ugandan basketball and adds to a growing list of active athletes who have passed away this year.

Over the weekend, former rugby player Adnan Kawuma also passed away, leaving the rugby community in mourning. Earlier this month, Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo was laid to rest in Sironko District following a mob justice attack. Uganda Police have since arrested more than 10 suspects in connection with the incident.

On June 5, former She Corporate FC midfielder Cissy Nantongo was laid to rest in Mpigi District after succumbing to cancer. In May, Uganda also lost promising teenage basketball sensation Maxine Anyango, whose death sent shockwaves through the basketball community.