The Uganda U18 men’s basketball team, the Junior Silverbacks, completed a perfect Group B campaign with a commanding 84-50 blowout victory over regional rivals Kenya. Played on Saturday, July 25, 2026, the dominant win secures Uganda the top spot in Group B of the FIBA U18 Zone V AfroBasket Qualifiers.

Uganda came into the game following their opening-day 52-40 victory over South Sudan. They knew that this was a very important game and they took charge from the second quarter onwards.

Uganda started the game very strong but Kenya utilized their physical frame to trade early buckets, keeping the score tight through the opening ten minutes. Pierre Rwuhirio was a menace in the opening quarter as he dropped 11 points while Eli Ssenyange drained 2 triples just before the end of the quarter. Kenyans though weren’t going away, they going to the basket and kept the score line tight.

 However, in the second, the Junior Silverbacks unlocked their transition offense, launching a devastating 10-0 run early in the second period to establish a comfortable double-digit cushion before halftime. Kenya was limited to just 8 points in the second quarter and the Junior Silverbacks were exerting themselves on both ends of the floor.

The third quarter was a complete demolition. Uganda limited Kenya to just 6 points while scoring 22 to extend their lead to 33 points. Eli Ssenyange made 3 consecutive triples and any hopes of a Kenyan comeback were completely crushed.

In the fourth, it was all about seeing out the game and we saw a lot of rotation. Ashiraf kakooza and Jacob Kateihwaho got valuable minutes and put some points on the board.

Standout Performers

Pierre Laurent Rwuhiriro had a phenomenal performance as he registered a a monster double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. He added 3 blocks but most importantly, his presence in the paint made it very difficult for the Kenyans to operate. He altered numerous shots and had a lot of intangibles.

Eli Ssenyange caused a lot of damage from the 3-point line as he buried 6 triples and finished the game with an efficient 19 points. Gabriel Nkugwa chipped in with 13 points.

Road to Abidjan

With a flawless 2-0 group record, the Junior Silverbacks have advanced to the semifinals. They will face the second placed team in Pool A. The finalists will both qualify to the U18 Afrobasket in Abidjan and after this incredible start from team Uganda, there is a lot of optimism in the boys chances to make it to the continental stage.