By Our Reporter
Eddie Oumo has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency of the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), bringing a vision centred on grassroots development, improved basketball facilities, better coaching and increased international opportunities for Ugandan players. Under his campaign slogan, “Build the Game. Develop the Player. Open the World,” Oumo says he wants to establish stronger foundations for the sport and create an environment where players can develop their talents and pursue opportunities beyond Uganda.
Oumo’s connection with basketball dates back to 1998, when he began his journey with Skyjammers. Over the years, he has been associated with Blue Jackets and Power, while also gaining experience as a player and coach in secondary school national competitions. His involvement in women’s basketball, alongside other sporting activities, including the 2005 A1 Championship, has exposed him to different aspects of the game and the challenges faced by players, coaches and teams.
Beyond competition, Oumo’s involvement in basketball has shaped his belief that the sport can play a bigger role in society. Through his work in founding Hoops of Hope, he has embraced the idea that basketball should not only produce winners but also help young people acquire discipline, confidence, teamwork and other essential life skills. He believes the game can become a platform for community development, education and personal growth if young players receive the right support from an early age.
One of the key areas Oumo wants to prioritise is the expansion of basketball infrastructure across the country. He argues that opportunities to play and train should not be concentrated in a few established locations while talented young people in other communities struggle to access suitable facilities. His vision includes improving access to courts, strengthening training facilities and supporting regional basketball programmes that can identify and nurture talent from different parts of Uganda.
Oumo also wants to improve the quality of player development by strengthening coaching standards and returning greater attention to the fundamentals of the game. He believes that mastering basic skills, discipline, decision-making and tactical understanding is essential for players who hope to progress to higher levels of competition. He is also proposing a common national basketball development philosophy that would guide schools, academies, clubs and other training programmes, helping create consistency in how young players are trained and prepared for competitive basketball.
Another major component of his agenda is opening more international pathways for Ugandan basketball players. Oumo wants to encourage meaningful partnerships with universities, professional clubs, academies and basketball organisations beyond the country’s borders. Through such connections, he hopes talented players will have greater access to scholarships, advanced training, international competitions and professional opportunities across Africa and other parts of the world. He believes Ugandan talent can achieve more when local development structures are connected to wider basketball networks.
Oumo has further emphasised the importance of cooperation, accountability and sustained investment in growing the sport. He believes progress should be measured not only by trophies and tournament results but also by the quality of coaching, the availability of facilities, the strength of grassroots programmes and the opportunities created for players. His proposed approach calls for basketball stakeholders to work together towards clear, long-term goals that can strengthen clubs, support coaches and establish a more reliable development system for future generations.
As the contest for the FUBA presidency takes shape, Oumo says he is seeking to bring his experience in playing, coaching and community development into the federation’s leadership. His campaign places the development of players, expansion of basketball infrastructure and access to international opportunities at the centre of his proposed agenda. Whether his plans can be implemented will depend on the support of stakeholders and the resources available, but his message outlines the priorities he wants to pursue: building stronger basketball structures, nurturing talent and creating wider opportunities for Ugandan players to compete and succeed.
