By Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
Kampala
Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (Fuba) will send two national teams – men and women – to the Fiba Africa Zone V Nations Championship regardless of whether they manage to get Shs37m or not.
Team Uganda travels to Kigali, Rwanda by road on Saturday night having got only Shs22m of the required Shs59m for the February 7-12 event. Sprite gave Shs12m whereas Fuba forked out the rest from their coffers and collections from the well-attended league play-offs.
Addressing the media at Speke Hotel yesterday, Fuba president Ambrose Tashobya was optimistic that most of the funding will be found in the remaining hours. “Some companies have shown willingness to aid the team and we have meetings with them to get the rest. I also expect support from government before the end of Friday (today),” Tashobya said.
Reverend Milton Tweheyo, also team manager, is the leader of delegation that includes two national teams of 12 players each, four coaches, statistician and a physiotherapist.
Flying the entire contingent would cost Shs20m which Fuba failed to raise it in time but will organise a send-off dinner at Kati Kati Restaurant just hours before departure on Saturday. “I will not join the team until all the required money is sent to Kigali. So I will stay here searching for the rest,” Tashobya vowed.
Men’s coach Gad Eteu and the women’s assistant Hamza Nyambogo read out their respective teams with no surprises at all. Elsewhere, Kenya and Somalia have pulled out of the tournament while Egypt remains a major doubt due to the ongoing political crisis.
Travelling squads
Men: B. Komakech (v. captain), J. Enabu, I. Enabu, J. Ikong, E. Malinga, B. Okello, S. Omony (captain), N. Blick, I. Afidra, B. Ssentogo, R. Mubiru, E.Kateregga
Women: A. Namirimu, C. Nantalo, M. Amoding, J. Nansobya, Lyn. Nalunkuma, F. Nabulobi
(captain), M. Siima, V. Nassolo
(v.captain), C. Karungi, M. Soigi, P. Proscovia, C. Nafwono.