By Our Reporter
Eddie Oumo has entered the race for the presidency of the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), outlining a vision to strengthen basketball development, improve training standards and create more opportunities for Ugandan players to compete on the international stage. His proposed agenda focuses on building a stronger foundation for the sport, with particular attention to grassroots participation, coaching, infrastructure and connections to international basketball networks.
Oumo’s basketball journey began in 1998 with Skyjammers, marking the start of an involvement that has since extended across playing, coaching and community development. He has also been associated with Blue Jackets and Power and participated in secondary school national competitions as both a player and coach. His experience in women’s basketball and involvement in other basketball activities, including the 2005 A1 Championship, have contributed to his understanding of the sport at different levels.
His interest in basketball development also extends beyond the court. Through founding Hoops of Hope, Oumo has championed the role of sport in shaping young people’s lives and strengthening communities. He believes basketball can offer more than entertainment and competition by helping young people develop discipline, confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. His approach places emphasis on creating an environment where talented players can receive guidance and use their abilities to pursue educational and professional opportunities.
A central pillar of Oumo’s campaign is improving basketball infrastructure and extending development opportunities to more parts of Uganda. He wants greater attention given to the availability of courts, training facilities and organised programmes that can help identify and nurture young talent. According to his vision, the growth of basketball should not be limited to established centres but should reach communities where promising players may lack access to proper facilities and structured training.
Oumo is also calling for a stronger approach to coaching and player development, arguing that success at higher levels begins with mastering the fundamentals. He wants young players to receive proper instruction in technical skills, tactical awareness, discipline and decision-making. His proposed national basketball philosophy would establish common development principles for schools, academies and clubs, helping create a more consistent system through which players can progress from grassroots basketball to elite competition.
International exposure is another priority in his proposed programme. Oumo wants Ugandan basketball to build stronger relationships with universities, clubs, academies and other basketball organisations around the world. Such partnerships, he believes, could help players access scholarships, advanced training, competitive opportunities and professional pathways. His ambition is to connect the country’s developing talent with opportunities across Africa and beyond while giving more players the chance to pursue basketball alongside their education.
Beyond facilities and talent development, Oumo says the future of Ugandan basketball will require cooperation among clubs, coaches, administrators, players and other stakeholders. He advocates for accountability, strategic planning and sustained investment, arguing that the sport’s progress should be assessed through measurable improvements in grassroots participation, coaching quality, infrastructure and player opportunities, rather than trophies alone. His proposed approach seeks to encourage stakeholders to work towards shared goals that can support the long-term growth of the game.
As he seeks the FUBA presidency, Oumo is presenting his experience in basketball and community development as the foundation of his proposed leadership agenda. His campaign slogan, “Build the Game. Develop the Player. Open the World,” captures his emphasis on stronger basketball structures, improved player development and wider international connections. His proposals place the future of Ugandan basketball at the centre of the contest, with an ambition to create a system that supports talent from the grassroots and prepares players to compete at higher levels.
