Maxine Modesta Anyango, a Junior Gazelles basketball player and student at St Noa Girls School, has died following complications during pre-surgery treatment for a knee injury sustained during school sports competitions.
Her death was confirmed on Thursday evening by members of the sports fraternity.
Anyango had been admitted to Ultima Clinic in Kampala after sustaining a knee injury during the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA) Ball Games.
While the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, sources indicate that the rising athlete had not yet undergone surgery. She is said to have developed complications after receiving medication administered ahead of the procedure to manage pain and prepare her for treatment.
She reportedly passed away while being transferred to Case Clinic after her condition deteriorated. Neither of the medical facilities involved had issued an official statement by press time.
Anyango, born on December 17, 2007, was a student at St Noa Girls School and had been representing her school during the recently concluded national secondary school games when she sustained the injury.
Her death has sparked widespread grief across schools, basketball clubs and sports administrators in the country, with many describing her as one of Uganda’s most promising young basketball talents.
In a statement shared on social media, Uganda’s women’s national basketball team, the Gazelles, said the country had lost a bright young athlete too soon.
“It’s with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Maxine Anyango Modesta, a Gazelle and student of St. Noa, who passed away earlier today. The basketball world has lost a bright young talent far too soon,” the statement read.
St Noa Girls School also confirmed her passing, expressing sorrow over the loss of their student and teammate.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved student and friend, Anyango Maxine. She passed away peacefully this evening, surrounded by her cherished family,” the school posted.
The President of the Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA), Justus Mugisha, conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and the school sports fraternity.
“On behalf of USSSA and the school sports fraternity, Mr Mugisha conveys his heartfelt condolences to St Noa Girls School, the Federation of Uganda Basketball Association, the family of Maxine Modesta Anyango, and the people of Uganda,” the association said.
USSSA noted that Anyango had previously represented Uganda at the International School Federation (ISF) World School Basketball Championship, where she showcased her talent on the global stage.
The association described her as a committed and dedicated athlete whose contribution to school basketball would be remembered.
JKL Lady Dolphins also paid tribute to the young player, describing her as a rising talent whose impact had already been felt in both local and international competitions.
“We are devastated to learn about the sudden passing of Jr Gazelles and St Noa Schools youngster Anyango Modesta Maxine, a young promising athlete whose impact had been felt in both international and local basketball competitions,” the club said.
Her death is a major blow to Uganda’s growing women’s basketball structures, particularly youth development programmes that have increasingly produced players for national teams.
Burial arrangements had not yet been announced by press time.
