Gazelles head to Egypt for final tune-up ahead of AfroBasket 2025

The Uganda national women’s basketball team, the Gazelles, will hold a high-performance training camp in Egypt as they step up preparations for the upcoming FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 tournament.

“The Gazelles will intensify their preparations for the upcoming FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2025 with a high-performance training camp in Egypt,” reads a statement from FUBA.

The team is scheduled to travel to Cairo on Friday, July 11, where they will play three practice matches against Egypt, Rwanda, and Cameroon between July 12 and 15. All the games will be held at the Mostapha Sports Halls.

THe Gazelles, who will be among 10 African nations battling for continental glory in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from July 25 to August 3.

The team’s morale received a major boost earlier this week with the arrival of star forward Jamila Nansikombi from the United States. She joined the team’s training sessions earlier this week.

This was her first training with the national side since returning to the country. Nansikombi played a major role in Uganda’s qualification for AfroBasket, scoring 15 points in the team’s 74-63 victory over Egypt during the FIBA Zone V Qualifiers in February.

Her return now raises the number of players in camp to 10 out of 13 summoned. Still missing are Paige Robinson, Claire Lamunu, and Mya Wasswa, who are expected to join the team directly in Ivory Coast, pending final confirmation from the Uganda Basketball Federation (FUBA).

Led by head coach Nicholas Natuhereza, the Gazelles are focusing on tactics, fitness, and team chemistry. The squad includes several foreign-based stars, including team captain Jane Asinde, Melissa Akullu, and veteran Hope Akello.

Asinde, who was named Most Valuable Player of the Zone V qualifiers, is expected to play a central role in Uganda’s campaign. Other key contributors will be Akullu, Lamunu, and Tracy Namugosa, who all bring international experience.

The squad has also welcomed back Evelyn Nakiyingi and Perus Nyamwenge, who missed the qualifiers earlier this year.

After the Cairo games, the team will relocate to Alexandria for additional tactical training and team bonding. They are expected to fly to Abidjan on July 24,  just two days before the tournament begins.

The 2025 AfroBasket will feature top African sides including hosts Côte d’Ivoire, defending champions Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Cameroon, Rwanda, Angola, wildcard entries Egypt and Mozambique.

The Gazelles, who last played in the AfroBasket in 2023, are hopeful of a deeper run this year.