2026 Mountain Dew UG3x3 Series Returns With More Stops, More Prize Money
David GOMBE
The 2026 edition of the Mountain Dew UG3x3 Nationwide Series has today been launched with more stops and more prize money.
This will be the 3rd edition of the tournament that is tapping into the growing popularity of the game both countrywide and across the globe. And with Uganda in the running to qualify for 3×3 basketball at the 2028 Olympic Games, local events like this are very important.
Speaking at the launch, Mountain Dew Brand Manager, Grace Namutebi said,
“We are proud to be the title sponsor of the UG3x3 Series for the 3rd year in a row, strengthening Mountain Dew’s commitment to supporting youth through one of the most popular sports in Uganda. We chose to enter Ugandan basketball 2 years ago because we see a strong connection between the energy of the game and the spirit of Mountain Dew; 3×3 Basketball is fast, expressive, and driven by a generation of young people who refuse to sit on the sidelines.”
“This platform brings together young teams from across the country in a dynamic competition designed to showcase emerging basketball talent and foster greater participation in the sport.”
FUBA Technical Director, Nicholas Natuhereza highlighted the importance of local 3×3 events saying they contribute to Uganda’s qualification.
“Having local 3×3 events like this is extremely important for us. Not only do they help our players in their preparations for international outings, but they also give us points that contribute to our International Ranking,” Natuhereza said.
“As we all know, the ladies team is still in the running for qualifying for 3×3 Basketball at the 2028 Olympic Games and we need more events like this to boost our preparations. I thank Red Rhino Sports for this initiative and I also thank Mountain Dew for this partnership,” he added.
The 2026 edition will have 7 Qualifying Stops across the country before climaxing with a Grand Finale featuring the top 20 men’s and women’s teams.
Total prize money at each qualifying stop is UGX 2,000,000. Winners in both the Men’s and Ladies’ categories will each take UGX 500,000 while Runners-up will take UGX 200,000. At the National Finals, total prize money is UGX 7,000,000 with Winners taking UGX 2M each and Runners-up taking UGX 1M each in both categories.
The tour tips off in Mbarara on Saturday 10th October 2026, before heading to Kampala on Saturday 17th October 2026. The third stop will be in Mbale on Saturday 24th October 2026.
Kampala will host the fourth stop on Saturday 31st October 2026, while Mukono will host the fifth stop on Saturday 7th November 2026. The sixth stop returns to Kampala on Saturday 14th November 2026.
Gulu will host the seventh and final qualifying stop on Saturday 21st November 2026, before the Grand Finale in Kampala on Saturday 28th November 2026.
Registration for the first circuit in Mbarara is now open and interested players can check press and posters for details.