Fuba celebrate women’s day in style

The Ugandan basketball community celebrated Women’s Day in style as the first edition of the FUBA Women All-Star game happened at Lugogo Indoor Arena. The headline game was between Team Ageno and Team Perus, which were all composed of some of the best talent from the 2023 season both NBL and Division 1. The day…

2bob Sports

March 9, 2024

3–5 minutes

2024, FUBA Women All-Star, International Women’s Day, Team Ageno, Team Perus

The Ugandan basketball community celebrated Women’s Day in style as the first edition of the FUBA Women All-Star game happened at Lugogo Indoor Arena.

The headline game was between Team Ageno and Team Perus, which were all composed of some of the best talent from the 2023 season both NBL and Division 1.

The day kicked off with a workshop for the U-15 girls from certified academies across Uganda and it was conducted by women upcoming coaches ie; Leanne Nalunkuma, Mulwana Olivia, Angella Namirimu, Gloria Kyomugisha, Mavita Ali, Munduru Sandra, Nankya Winfred.

The next item on the agenda was the Rising Star game, with U-18 and U-16 stars headed by Mia Belinda Alaba and Shiphrah Kiranda. The two Captains play for Watoto and Kibuli S.S respectively in Division 1 and they faced off in the 2023 Division 1 quarterfinals.

Team Mia emerged the victorious with a 48:43 win, the Captain scoring 16 points and winning it for her team. Magic Stormer’s youngster Nakibuuka Doreen was named as the MVP; she scored 15 points and was integral in her team’s victory. Shiphrah Kiranda was also incredible, leading her team in scores with 15 points.

The next game was between the Team Managers and Team Parliament led by Racheal Ainamasiko herself. Team Parliament had the lead after the first quarter but the managers leveled up in the second quarter and it was a 30:23 victory for the managers at Full Time. Multiple basketball legends took the floor, KT Rachel, former MVP Becky Akullo, Angella Namirimu, and more.

During the halftime break, a 3-point contest was held and the youngster Peace Topista Lamunu from Holy Street Basketball Academy won the hearts of many. After making it past the first round, she went ahead to win the prize, despite being tied with another male contestant.

Lamunu impressed several fans who rewarded her with cash prizes exceeding 1 million shillings. After her coach Kennedy narrated her struggles with school fees, she was added more cash and African Empowerment Hub Africa promised to take care of her school fees and scholastic materials for the next term.

The headline game of the night took the stage as Team Perus, coached by Coach Mavita Ali went against Team Ageno, coached by Angella Namirimu. Team Ageno was super hyped for the game and they took control from the get-go. Team Ageno was in their bad and at the end of the third period, it was 22 points and it was going to be a long way back for team Perus. The game ended 65:35 but the competition on the floor was very fierce and the scores did not do the game justice.

Kur Ajah was the top scorer with 14 points and Tracy Namugosa was named the MVP with 11 points, a couple of assists, rebounds, and steals to her name too. During the halftime break, she had a moment of a lifetime, joining Winnie Nwagi during her performance and mashing up the crowd.

Tracy Namugosa having a moment with Winnie Nwagi

Challenges

On top of the different games, fans took part in a couple of challenges and one could say they were some of the most interesting activities of the day.

The 3-point challenge where Peace Lamunu captivated the crowd. The chain challenge was where youngsters had to move the chain across the court without the balls falling or being touched. This had so many fans involved, as the creativity of the different teams was a marvel to watch. The fitness test was another incredible one, the fans being the police.

Perhaps the most interesting one was the chair challenge where the different players from both main teams took part. Kur Ajah and Aziida Nabayunga had the fans cracking up after they tussled for over 30 seconds for the chair but eventually Ajah won.