Busia to Spotlight Youth, wellness on World Basketball Day
We are excited to leverage the power of basketball to not only promote physical activity but also address critical social and emotional needs within the community
Plans for the forthcoming World Basketball Day festivities, which are set for Monday, December 9 in Busia, have been revealed by key stakeholders.
Through basketball, the event seeks to empower youth while addressing important topics including mental health, managing menstrual hygiene, and safe sporting practices.
The initiative has attracted strong backing from partners, including the Federation of Uganda Basketball Associations (FUBA), the iCARRe Foundation, WoMena Uganda, and the Ashoka Foundation.
The FIBA Foundation has also lent substantial support, contributing $2,000, 150 basketballs, and jerseys to ensure the event’s success.
Speaking during a pre-event press conference on Thursday, FUBA Youth Commissioner Patricia Ayebare emphasised basketball’s potential to foster holistic growth.
“We are excited to leverage the power of basketball to not only promote physical activity but also address critical social and emotional needs within the community,” Ayebare noted.
Dr. Irene Mutumba, founder of the Partnership for Education and Development in Northern Uganda (PEDN) and an Ashoka Fellow, stressed the need for educational reforms to complement such initiatives. Drawing from over 20 years of experience, Dr. Mutumba urged for a nationwide movement to transform education and empower young people sustainably.
Allen Namiya, representing the iCARRe Basketball Foundation, highlighted the importance of using sports as a tool to promote mental well-being.
“Through basketball, we aim to create a safe and supportive environment where children can open up, express themselves, and prioritise their mental well-being,” she explained.
The World Basketball Day celebrations in Busia promise to be a landmark event, bringing together youth, educators, and mental health advocates to use the transformative power of sports for community development.
