KAMPALA, June 1 (Xinhua) -- FIBA Africa has withdrawn Uganda's hosting rights for the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Zone V qualifiers over concerns related to the recent Ebola outbreak, the country's basketball federation confirmed on Monday.
Uganda had been scheduled to host the zonal tournament from June 14 to 20 at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium.
In a statement, the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) said FIBA Africa had officially revoked Uganda's hosting rights following concerns arising from the Ebola outbreak.
"The Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) wishes to inform all participating federations, teams, stakeholders, partners, and basketball fans that FIBA Africa has officially withdrawn Uganda's hosting rights for the 2026 FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Zone V qualifiers following concerns arising from the recent Ebola outbreak," said FUBA.
FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi described the decision as unfortunate. "But we thank the government and all other stakeholders who had come on board to help us organize this event," added Sserunjogi.
FIBA Africa has relocated the tournament to Egypt, where it will be held from June 10 to 15.
The competition is expected to feature teams from Egypt, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia.
The qualifiers serve as a pathway to the FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Championship, with the top-performing teams from the region earning places at the continental tournament.
Uganda had a successful outing when it hosted the 2024 edition at the Lugogo Indoor Arena in Kampala, where both the boys' team, the Junior Silverbacks, and the girls' team, the Junior Gazelles, emerged as champions.
