Kwizera, Sserunjogi battle for FUBA top office

The plate is full for Nasser Sserunjogi or Grace Kwizera, vying for the presidency of the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA).

The winner will take over from Ambrose Tashobya after the polls at the Uganda Olympic Committee offices in Kampala on Sunday.

Tashobya is ineligible to stand after serving three terms. With grooming of talent crucial, over the years attempts to do so have not been fully effective casting doubt on the future of the game.

It indeed remains a disturbing reality for anyone who cares about the Ugandan game.

"I think there is a serious problem and the reality hits us especially when it comes to national sides. Because of limited talent coming through, we are still relying on players who started out in the 90s." said retired national star Ivan Enabu.

Steven Omony is a classic example of such players who are still playing central roles in the affairs of the game.

At the same time, Flavia Oketcho remains relevant in spite of having been around for some good time.

Projects like the Junior NBA and Ihoops Academy have no doubt changed the face of grassroots development but then they are faulted for lack of a nationwide pull which deems such programmes exclusive by default.

Activities are concentrated in the central region despite the fact that the game needs to be developed across the country.

As strange as it sounds, Ugandan basketball is yet to find a home. The Lugogo Indoor Stadium with all the complications that come with it remains the major host of basketball games in the country.

Understandably, constructing a standard arena is no doubt a thorn in the pocket but then it's the way to go.

Interestingly, the outgoing executive had entered into a partnership with AVRS School in Nakirebe regarding the state of the art facility at the school.

It is understood that the school would accommodate some FUBA projects and it remains to be seen how the incoming leadership will work to consolidate such arrangements.

The game has taken some genuine strides graduating into one of the priority sports in the country.

Therefore, a systematic approach can attract serious partnerships in a bid to take the game to the next level across the country.

Whether Sserunjogi or Kwizera wins in a race where 62 teams are eligible to vote, basketball needs a selfless servant to take off.