Uganda’s women’s 3×3 basketball team, the Gazelles, have taken the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow by storm, having secured four wins out of five in a historic debut group phase.

As debutants in the expanding 12-team tournament format, the Gazelles quickly proved they belong among the elite contenders and will play in a playoff game for a chance to make it to the semifinals.

Flawless Start on Day One

Uganda opened their campaign on Friday they announced themselves to the world winning all their 3 games.

In their openers, Uganda went toe-to-toe with Jaimca but managed to secure an 18-17 win in overtime.

In their second game, they easily saw off Cayman Islands in a 21-7 victory.

Finally, they Gazelles dominated neighbors Kenya in an East African derby, securing a 21-5 vicyory. In an interview after the game, Jane Asinde revealed that they wanted to beat Kenya so bad because their rivals had been chirping before the game and they took it personally.

Eyeing the Podium

The momentum from Friday carried directly into Sunday’s games. Uganda picked up right where they left off by dismantling Fiji 21–8 in another highly efficient shooting display.

However, their flawless 4–0 run was finally halted in their ultimate group assignment against tournament favorites Australia.

Uganda needed a victory in order to secure a direct ticket to the semifinals but getting a win off of Australia was never going to be an easy task.

Despite fighting valiantly, Uganda fell to Australia 21-9 and this meant that they finish second in the pool.

The Road Ahead

By finishing second in the group, Uganda have missed out on the lone automatic semi-final ticket but are still optimistic for a podium finish.

They will face the number 3 team in Pool B in the playoffs and the winner shall advance to the semifinals. This playoff shall take on Tuesday 28th July.

If anything is to go by, Uganda Basketball has sent a message that they are not just participating but are in chasing for a podium finish.