Silverbacks return home after Middle East airspace disruption

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Uganda’s Silverbacks have safely returned home after being stranded in Egypt following the first window of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers in Alexandria.

The team had been scheduled to fly out on Monday night via Dubai International Airport. However, much of the Middle East airspace was closed due to escalating tensions between Iran and the United States in concert with Israel, disrupting flights through Dubai and leaving the Silverbacks stranded.

Team manager Albert Ahabwe confirmed that an urgent meeting was convened to identify an alternative travel route.

“The Silverbacks’ local contingent took a direct flight from Cairo to Entebbe and arrived in the country on Tuesday morning. The Kampala-based team has safely returned home. The foreign-based players will fly out of Alexandria to their respective destinations on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning,” Ahabwe said.

With major airlines suspending flights indefinitely, the federation was compelled to seek alternative and more costly travel arrangements. The agreed solution was to reroute the local players through Cairo to Entebbe.

There were also concerns about some of the international players, including Jonathan Komagum, who had been set to travel from Syria to Qatar. Ahabwe clarified that their route was not affected.

“Their flight through Istanbul isn’t affected. It is a personal decision. Jonathan has an air ticket in his possession and will decide what he needs to do. But he’s most likely going to London first to meet his family,” he added.

On the court, it was a difficult campaign for the Silverbacks. Uganda finished bottom of Group D with a 0-3 record after defeats to Angola, Mali and Egypt.

They opened the window with a 90-68 loss to African champions Angola. In the second game, Uganda showed improvement but fell 84-73 to Mali. The team closed the window with a heavy 91-52 defeat to Egypt at the Borg El Arab Arena.

Nike Sibande was among Uganda’s most consistent performers. On his debut against Angola, he scored 15 points, registering seven assists and four rebounds. He added 22 points against Mali and finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds against Egypt, including three assists and two steals in 34 minutes.

Deng Geu impressed with 17 points and 12 rebounds against Angola, while Joel Kayira added 10 points in the same game. Captain Robinson Opong scored 24 points against Mali, while Fayed Baale and Peter Obleng made brief contributions in the final game against Egypt.

Three teams from each group will qualify for the next round in July, while the bottom-placed sides will be eliminated.