Eddie Oumo declares FUBA Presidential bid, pledge to transform Ugandan Basketball
David GOMBE
Eddie Oumo has declared his intention to run for president of the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), promising to transform the sport through improved infrastructure, youth development, coaching standards and international exposure.
Oumo, whose journey in Ugandan basketball began in 1998 with Skyjammers, says his decision to seek the federation’s top leadership position is driven by his long-standing commitment to the sport.
His basketball journey has included involvement with Blue Jackets and Power, as well as playing and coaching in secondary school national competitions. He has also coached women’s teams and been involved in other basketball activities, including the 2005 A1 Championship.
His work in founding Hoops of Hope further strengthened his belief that basketball should go beyond winning games and trophies.
Under his campaign slogan, “Build the Game. Develop the Player. Open the World,” Oumo has outlined four major priorities:
1. Infrastructure development: He wants basketball growth to reach more communities across Uganda by improving access to courts, training facilities and regional development programmes.
2. Strengthening fundamentals: He plans to improve the quality of coaching and player development, focusing on basic skills, discipline and game understanding.
3. National basketball philosophy: He proposes a unified philosophy to guide academies, schools and clubs, ensuring common standards for training and player progression.
4. International opportunities: He wants to build credible partnerships with universities, clubs, academies and international basketball networks to help talented players access opportunities within Uganda, across Africa and beyond.
Oumo has stressed that success should not be measured by trophies alone, but also by improvements in facilities, coaching standards, grassroots programmes and opportunities available to players.
“Build the game, develop the player and open the world to Ugandan basketball,” Oumo said as he unveiled his vision for the federation.