Rubanda District schools have raised concerns about the lack of basketball facilities, which they cite as a major obstacle to the sport’s development in the area.
These concerns were highlighted during a one-day outreach program organized by the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA) under the “Her World, Her Rules” initiative. The training session, held at St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School Kakore, brought together over 100 girls aged 12 to 16 from various schools across the district, including Bubaare Secondary School and Nyaruhanga High School.
The program, led by Rachael Ainamatsiko Atuhaire, Commissioner for Women’s Basketball at FUBA, aimed to empower young girls through basketball by equipping them with skills and kits to enhance their involvement in the sport.
Speaking at the event, local sports stakeholders emphasized the severe lack of basketball infrastructure in Rubanda District. Robert Agaba, games teacher at Bubaare Secondary School and Coordinator of the Kigezi Region Sports Committee, revealed that basketball participation is nearly non-existent in the district, noting that only a handful of schools in the entire Kigezi Region have access to basketball facilities.
“We have very limited funding to support the construction of basketball courts. This hinders the growth of the sport, particularly in Rubanda. We urge the government to support such initiatives to help bridge this gap,” Agaba stated.
James Muhwezi, sports teacher at St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School Kakore, echoed similar sentiments, pointing out that the lack of facilities and limited funding for sports activities have hampered efforts to promote basketball in the region.
Despite these challenges, local sports stakeholders expressed optimism about the future of basketball in Rubanda. They appreciated FUBA for the initiative, saying it inspires hope and encourages them to push for more programs and better facilities.
Rachael Ainamatsiko, Commissioner for Women’s Basketball at FUBA, outlined the broader goals of the initiative, emphasizing its focus on giving girls the confidence to believe in themselves and realize their potential in sports and life.
“Infrastructure remains a key challenge,” Ainamatsiko noted, urging local leaders to include sports facilities in their development plans to ensure the growth of basketball and other sports.
Ainamatsiko, a native of Rubanda District and sister to the District Woman Member of Parliament, Hon. Prossy Akampurira Mbabazi, described the event as a way of giving back to her community. She revealed that selecting St. Agatha Girls’ Secondary School Kakore as the host venue was a tribute to her mother, who had studied at the school.
“Bringing this initiative to Rubanda is my way of honoring the community that shaped me. Hosting it at St. Agatha Kakore is especially meaningful, as it holds a special place in our family’s history,” Ainamatsiko said.
The “Her World, Her Rules” initiative also sought to promote gender equality and encourage young girls to see sports as a pathway for personal and community development. During the training, the girls participated in basketball drills, team-building exercises, and lessons on sportsmanship, many expressing their excitement at the opportunity to learn from experienced trainers.
ENDS///
