Uganda Basketball Players Association All-Star Games set for Lugogo
Action will feature select players from Division One (men and women), Division Two split into teams, and a special "legends" game for former women players.
Action between Team Ageno (in blue) and Team Perus during an All-star game to mark Women's Day at Lugogo. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Mouthwatering fixtures have been lined up in the inaugural Uganda Basketball Players Association (UBPA) All-Star basketball tournament due at the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Independence Day.
According to the UBPA president Paul Odong McGyver, the day is lined up with lots of fun and action as the top basketball players in the country converge for a premier high-energy, off-season basketball and entertainment event, blending competitive hoops with music, showbiz, and fan participation.
Action will feature select players from Division One (men and women), Division Two split into teams, and a special "legends" game for former women players.
Fans will part with sh10,000 to be part of the action, while the VIPs will pay sh30,000 for entry.
“A few months back, we started this initiative to help players come together and speak as one. We want to create more opportunities for career growth, attract sponsors, and build partnerships that will raise the profile of every player,” Odong told the press recently.
“A major challenge in Ugandan sports is that many players work on verbal agreements. This creates problems for both players and teams because there is no formal way to handle financial disputes or player absences.”
He said they will engage the stakeholders farther during the gala, giving them a chance to connect with them on a larger scale.
UBPA All-star Fixtures
1. All-Star Div 1 Men—Team A v Team B
2. Div 1 Women—Team A v Team B
3. All-Star Legends Men—Team Sudi v Team Afidra
4. Allstar Legends Women—Team Olivia v Team Siima
5. Managers vs. Referees
6. Main Even NBL—Internationals vs Locals