David GOMBE
The Uganda Men’s Basketball team (Silverbacks) had a disappointing 2025 AfroBasket in Angola as they returned home with no wins.
Despite a disappointing campaign there were lessons to learn for the Silverbacks at the continental showpiece.
Drawn in Group D alongside African basketball powerhouses Senegal, Mali, and Egypt, the Silverbacks fought hard but fell short in three games: losing 88–53 to Senegal, 85–70 to Mali, and 77–64 to Egypt.
The Silverbacks tough campaign in Angola, saw them finish bottom of their group after losing all three games to Senegal, Mali and Egypt.
Yet their progression was clear, the team’s scoring improved in every outing, and their resilience shone brightest against Mali and Egypt, where they pushed until the final buzzer.
Star performers like Deng John Geu and Robinson Opong carried the scoring load and anchored the team with leadership and hustle.
Uganda may not have advanced to the knockout rounds, but the message was unmistakable: this is a team with potential and grit.
As always the Silverbacks journey at the event was championed by BetPawa. It should be remembered that the partnership between the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations and BetPawa started in 2024.
BetPawa injects over 2.6 into the basketball game in the country. The partnership includes supporting the Silverbacks, the Gazelles (Uganda’s women’s national team), and the National Basketball League (NBL).
This partnership goes beyond logos on jerseys:
Locker Room Bonuses: Every Silverback and Gazelle earns UGX 150,000 for a win, directly rewarding effort and results.
NBL Incentives: From UGX 5 million team win prizes to UGX 4 million MVP rewards, BetPawa has raised the competitive stakes in Uganda’s domestic league.
Player Welfare: Covering training, travel, and accommodation, ensuring players are set up to perform on the biggest African stages.
This is not just sponsorships, it’s building a culture of motivation, professionalism, and accountability in Ugandan basketball.
Eyes on the Future
While AfroBasket 2025 didn’t bring quarterfinal heroics like the Silverbacks achieved in 2021, FUBA President Nasser Sserunjogi summed it up:
“We are disappointed because we had prepared well, but a lot came into play, player pullouts, injuries, FIBA clearances. Still, we take the positives, and we will continue preparing the national team for future international events.”
With BetPawa’s backing, Uganda’s basketball journey is about progress, not perfection.
The Gazelles are also gaining momentum after their AfroBasket campaign in Ivory Coast, and the NBL playoffs are set to give fans electrifying action.
The Final Buzzer
Uganda’s Silverbacks may not have returned with wins, but they came back with something just as important, experience, resilience, and belief.
And thanks to BetPawa’s continued investment, the road to future success is being paved today.
BetPawa isn’t just supporting basketball. They are changing the game.
