The 2025 Men’s Afrobasket is less than 5 days away and the mood in the Silverbacks camp is not as jovial as they would have liked.
Three players of the 12 man squad that was announced will not be with the team and as things look, the Silverbacks will have only 10 players available.
Of the Initial squad that was announced, Emmanuel Mugenga, Christopher Mubiru and Ishmail Wainright will not be at the continental Championship.
Ishmail was the last player to confirm his absence and this brought about some chaos in the camp according to Brian Tukasingura.
Wainright has been an integral part of the Silverbacks for a long time now and his absence will leave a very big hole in the team.
During the 2021 edition, Wainright played the most minutes for Uganda and averaged 12.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 6.4 assists, and 2 steals.
During the qualifiers, he averaged 13 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.3 steals in the 3 games during the first window.
His size and ability to in a point forward position will be greatly missed and it is yet to be seen how the team will play without him.
Christopher Mubiru was not cleared to play by FIBA and thus will not be available for the tournament despite currently being with the team.
Emmanuel Mugenga last played for Uganda in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers but he will also not be available.
Moni Jacksen, who was initially part of the team has been recalled and will join the others.
As a result, the Silverbacks will only 10 players on their roster as the deadline for registration has already passed.
Uganda is in group D with Senegal, Mali, and Egypt.
The Silverbacks will open their campaign on Tuesday 12th against Senegal.
Fixtures
Uganda vs Senegal 12th Aug, 14:00
Uganda vs Mali 14th Aug, 16:30
Uganda vs Egypt 16th Aug, TBD
Of the 12 players that represented at the Afrobasket in 2021, only Deng Geu and Robinson Opong shall be playing again this year.
The country was very happy when Arthur Kaluma joined the Los Angeles Lakers and many thought that he would be available for the Afrobasket but unfortunately, he won’t be available.
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