Eddie Oumo has declared his intention to run for president of the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), promising to focus on improving basketball infrastructure, developing young players, strengthening coaching standards and creating more international opportunities for Ugandan talent.
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 and his desire to see Ugandan basketball grow at all levels.
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.
Oumo says his experience on the court, on the bench and in community development has helped shape his understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Ugandan basketball. He believes the sport can achieve more when players receive proper training, clubs have better facilities and young talent is given a clear path to progress.
His work in founding Hoops of Hope further strengthened his belief that basketball should go beyond winning games and trophies. According to Oumo, the sport can help young people develop important life skills, strengthen communities and access educational and professional opportunities.
Under his campaign slogan, “Build the Game. Develop the Player. Open the World,” Oumo has outlined four major priorities that he wants to pursue if elected FUBA president.
His first priority is infrastructure development. He believes basketball growth should not be limited to a few established centres but should reach more communities across Uganda. He wants greater attention given to improving access to basketball courts, training facilities and regional development programmes so that more young people can participate in the sport.
Oumo also wants to strengthen the fundamentals of the game by improving the quality of coaching and player development. He believes young players need proper guidance in basic skills, discipline, decision-making and understanding of the game before advancing to higher levels of competition.
Another key part of his vision is the development of a national basketball philosophy that can guide academies, schools, clubs and other development programmes. He argues that having common standards for training and player development would help young basketball players move between teams and institutions without losing the technical and tactical foundations needed to compete.
Oumo’s fourth priority is expanding international opportunities for Ugandan players. He wants the country to build credible partnerships with universities, clubs, academies and international basketball networks to help talented players access opportunities within Uganda, across Africa and beyond.
He believes that connecting local talent to wider basketball networks could create more pathways for players to develop their careers, pursue education and compete at higher levels.
Oumo has also stressed the importance of collaboration, accountability and investment in achieving meaningful progress. He argues that the success of Ugandan basketball should not be measured by trophies alone, but also by improvements in facilities, coaching standards, grassroots programmes and the opportunities available to players.
His candidacy comes with a message that the future of Ugandan basketball requires long-term planning and a shared commitment from the different stakeholders in the sport.
Having spent years involved in playing, coaching and community development, Oumo says he now wants to bring his experience and vision to the leadership of the federation.
As the race for the FUBA presidency takes shape, his proposed agenda places player development, stronger basketball structures and international exposure at the centre of his ambitions for the sport.
Oumo’s campaign message is clear: Build the game, develop the player and open the world to Ugandan basketball.
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