Why Ugandans should have hope in the U18 Gazelles at the Afrobasket

Despite a couple of players missing, the Uganda U18 gazelles are still a solid squad and there are very many reasons to be optimistic.

Avitus Ngabirano

August 6, 2026

2–4 minutes

FIBA U18 Afrobasket, FUBA, Junior Gazelles, uganda

The Uganda U18 women will be playing at the 2026 FIBA U18 Afrobasket in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire. However, given the lack of preparation, there is a lot of pessimism about their performance at this tournament.

In this article, I shall lay down a number of reasons as to why Ugandans should be optimistic about the girls and our chances.

Coaching

First and foremost, the most important piece to this puzzle was brought and that is Coach John Omondi aka Johnny. Omondi was the coach in 2024 when Uganda made the run to the finals and he was also in charge of the U16 team during the qualifiers in 2025.

He has been in youth sports for a long time and he knows what to do. He thrives in chaos and with the disorganization that the team is in, he is the man for the job.

Secondly, most of the players in this team have worked with him before. The team’s best players, Melissa Taliba, was player for Coach Omondi while they were at Buddo S.S. Olivia Atima was also part of the major squad in 2024 and worked with the coach although she never made the final 12.

4 of the girls were also part of the U16 team that played at the qualifiers. These girls all know what the coach is about and they shall adjust quickly to his tactics.

Coach Johnny often uses different presses and the girls have played in those systems before. The adjustments should happen as the tournament goes on.

Bearable Group

Uganda is in pool A with Kenya, Central African Republic and Cote d’Ivoire. Of these, only Cote d’Ivoire has made a podium finish but in recent history, Uganda has performed better of them all. Based on pedigree, Uganda is a strong contender and teams shall come with that in mind. From a psychological stand point, If Uganda come knowing that they are the better team, that will give the team an edge. Uganda should be good enough to make it out of the group.

The Uganda U18 team pose for a photo after landing at the Airport in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Experience

The Ugandan team has a bunch of players who have played in the league and top competitions. Melissa Taliba had played in Division One and the NBL. She also played at this competition in 2024. Rose Adhiambo has played league from 2023. Mary Hazel Ssengendo has also played league games from 2024. Vanessa Nakalembe was perhaps the best player for the Victoria She Crocs in the second round of the 2026 NBL. Atima Olivia was a key part of the Our Savior Banyabo team that won the Dovision One title in 2025 and she also played for Kibuli in 20525.

Those will be the key players that Uganda will rely on. However, even the other players like Aminat Josephine, Agaba Sharifah and Brandina Kyalimpa have league experience. All that will play to the advantage of Uganda and if they meet players who haven’t played as much, they will have an edge.

Despite missing out on key players like Joy Auma, Shiphrah Kiranda, Anena Jovia and Madina. Uganda is still a big threat and they could make it to the semifinals. They open their campaign with a game against Kenya that will set the tone for the rest of the tournament.