Uganda U18 Boys set to face South Sudan in Zone V Qualifiers Opener

The Uganda U18 Boys will start their title defense of the U18 FIBA Zone V Afrobasket Qualifiers with a game against South Sudan.

Avitus Ngabirano

July 24, 2026

2–3 minutes

FIBA U18 African championship Zone V Qualifiers, Junior Silverbacks

The Uganda U18 Boys Basketball Team, known as the Junior Silverbacks, are set to tip-off their U18 Afrobasket Zone V Qualifiers campaign today as they face a formidable South Sudan U18 squad in a highly anticipated opening match. The high-stakes opener marks the start of Uganda’s regional title defense, with both East African powerhouses hunting for a ticket to the continental championship.

The Shifting Battleground

While the tournament was originally slated to take place in Ugandan at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium Indoor Arena, FIBA Africa relocated the championship to Cairo, Egypt due to public health concerns.

Despite early concerns regarding the logistical hurdles of traveling, FUBA successfully organized the trip, landing the eager Junior Silverbacks in Cairo earlier this week.

Tournament Details

The teams have been put into 2 pools. Pool A has Uganda, South Sudan and Kenya while Pool B has Rwanda, Tanzania and the hosts Egypt. The teams shall play a round robin in the pool phase with the top 2 teams advancing to the semifinals.

Defending the Crown

Uganda enters the tournament with a giant target on its back as the reigning 2024 Zone V Champions. However, their opening assignment could not be any tougher. The South Sudanese youth teams haven’t been very active in continental competitions but given the rapid rise of their senior team programs, they will not be taken lightly.

In their second game, Uganda will face Kenya who got some challenges during the preparations. This gives Uganda an advantage and they should be good enough to make it to the semifinals.

Key Players for Uganda

The Junior Silverbacks will be heavily reliant on the twins, Shane and Shammah Kwizera in the back court. The duo has is dynamic and can be able to control the floor, shoot the ball and create for others. The other key player is Eli Senyange who played at the Qualifiers in 2024. He is a player who has confidence and he is expected to be a significant contributor.

Perhaps Uganda’s best youth player is Pierre Rwuhiriro. The big man is skilled and he knows his way around the rim. One can call him a silent assassin. He will be the biggest X-factor for Uganda.